Posterior Uveitis - General Discussion

SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS

Uveitis is a general term that refers to inflammation of the part of the eye known as the uvea.
The uvea is a relatively thick, strong layer of fibrous tissue that encloses and protects the eyeball. It consists of three parts: the iris, the ciliary body, and the choroid.

There are three types of uveitis, classified according to the part of the uvea that is affected. Anterior uveitis, which affects the front part of the eye, is also sometimes called iritis since the iris is part of the front of the eye. Intermediate uveitis, also known as pars planitis or cyclitis, refers to inflammation of tissues in the area just behind the iris and lens of the eye. Posterior uveitis, also known as choroiditis, refers to inflammation of the choroid, the back part of the uvea. Posterior uveitis may affect the retina and/or the optic nerve, and may lead to permanent loss of vision.

Posterior uveitis is the rare form of the disorder and is the type of uveitis most associated with loss of vision. The other two forms are more common, and more frequently result in acute symptoms, but only rarely cause vision loss.

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated: 4/25/2008
Copyright 1987, 1988, 1989, 1994, 2003, 2004, 2005National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

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