Overview
Systemic diseases with anterior uveitis refers to a group of conditions where inflammation of the front part of the eye (called anterior uveitis or iritis) occurs as part of a broader disease that affects multiple body systems. Anterior uveitis causes the iris and surrounding tissues to become inflamed, leading to eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. This eye inflammation is not a standalone condition but rather a sign that an underlying systemic (whole-body) disease is present. Many different systemic diseases can cause anterior uveitis. Some of the most common include ankylosing spondylitis (a type of inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine), sarcoidosis (an inflammatory disease that can affect the lungs and other organs), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (childhood arthritis), Behçet's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and reactive arthritis. In many of these conditions, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, including the eye. Treatment typically focuses on controlling the eye inflammation with steroid eye drops and dilating drops to prevent complications, while also managing the underlying systemic disease. Depending on the cause, treatments may include anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressive drugs, or biologic therapies. Early diagnosis and treatment are important because untreated anterior uveitis can lead to serious complications such as glaucoma, cataracts, or permanent vision loss. Patients usually need coordinated care between an ophthalmologist and specialists who manage the underlying condition.
Key symptoms:
Eye rednessEye painSensitivity to light (photophobia)Blurred visionSeeing floaters in your visionSmall or irregularly shaped pupilTearing or watery eyesJoint pain or stiffnessLower back painSkin rashes or nodulesFatigueMouth soresSwollen lymph nodesDigestive problems such as diarrhea or abdominal painFever
Multifactorial
Caused by a mix of several genes and environmental factors
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Systemic diseases with anterior uveitis.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Systemic diseases with anterior uveitis at this time.
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Rare Disease Specialist
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Systemic diseases with anterior uveitis.
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Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What underlying systemic disease is causing my uveitis, and how will it be managed?,How often should I have eye exams to monitor for inflammation, even when I feel fine?,What are the risks of long-term steroid eye drop use, and are there alternatives?,Should I be tested for HLA-B27 or other genetic markers?,What signs should prompt me to seek emergency eye care between appointments?,Are biologic therapies an option for me, and what are the benefits and risks?,How can I reduce the frequency of uveitis flare-ups?
Common questions about Systemic diseases with anterior uveitis
What is Systemic diseases with anterior uveitis?
Systemic diseases with anterior uveitis refers to a group of conditions where inflammation of the front part of the eye (called anterior uveitis or iritis) occurs as part of a broader disease that affects multiple body systems. Anterior uveitis causes the iris and surrounding tissues to become inflamed, leading to eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. This eye inflammation is not a standalone condition but rather a sign that an underlying systemic (whole-body) disease is present. Many different systemic diseases can cause anterior uveitis. Some of the most common include a
How is Systemic diseases with anterior uveitis inherited?
Systemic diseases with anterior uveitis follows a multifactorial inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
Which specialists treat Systemic diseases with anterior uveitis?
2 specialists and care centers treating Systemic diseases with anterior uveitis are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.