Autoimmune Disease and Uveitis: How Inflammation Affects Your Retinal Health

Autoimmune diseases don’t just affect joints, skin, or internal organs—they can also impact your eyes, often in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. One of the most serious eye complications tied to autoimmune conditions is uveitis, an inflammation inside the eye that can threaten your vision if left untreated. Because the uvea plays a critical role in nourishing the retina, inflammation in this area can disrupt the delicate systems that support how you see.

In this post, we’ll explore the connection between autoimmune disease and uveitis, how inflammation can impact your retinal health, and what steps you can take to protect your vision.

What is Uveitis?

Uveitis refers to inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that sits between the retina and the sclera (the white outer layer of the eye). The uvea includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid—structures that regulate light entry, help the eye focus, and supply nutrients to the retina, particularly through the choroid’s rich blood vessels. When the immune system mistakenly targets these tissues, it can lead to swelling, cell damage, and even disruptions in blood flow to the retina. Over time, this can interfere with the retina’s ability to process visual information clearly.

How Autoimmune Diseases Impact the Retina

Although autoimmune diseases often target specific organs or systems, many are also characterized by systemic inflammation, which can lead to generalized immune activation, meaning the immune system stays overactive throughout the body. This increases the risk of inflammation reaching the eyes and affecting retinal health.

If you have an autoimmune disease, it’s essential to monitor your eye health regularly and be aware of the signs of uveitis. Report any changes in vision to your doctor promptly, as early treatment can help prevent long-term damage.

Signs and Symptoms of Uveitis

Uveitis can affect one or both eyes and may present suddenly or gradually. Common symptoms include:

• Redness in the eye
• Blurry vision
• Dark floating spots (floaters)
• Eye pain
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)

For some, symptoms may come and go in flares. Others may only experience a single episode. Regardless of frequency, early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent serious damage. Left untreated, uveitis can cause lasting vision loss, so be sure to let your doctor know about any changes in your vision as soon as they occur.

Long-Term Management and Prevention of Uveitis

If you’ve been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition, regular eye exams are an important part of your care plan—even if you’re not experiencing vision problems. Early signs of inflammation can sometimes be detected before symptoms begin, allowing for earlier intervention and better outcomes. Ongoing communication between your ophthalmologist and other healthcare providers can also ensure a coordinated approach to protecting your eye health.

If you are diagnosed with uveitis, your provider may recommend:

• Anti-inflammatory eye drops: Often the first line of treatment, particularly for mild or localized inflammation.
  - Corticosteroid therapy: May be delivered via eye drops, oral medication, or injections around the eye, depending on the location and severity of inflammation. In-office injections can offer targeted relief for more advanced cases.
• Systemic treatment: If uveitis is linked to an autoimmune disease, systemic medications may be needed to control the underlying immune response. These may include immunosuppressive drugs or biologics in coordination with your rheumatologist or primary care provider.
• Antibiotics or antivirals: Prescribed if an infection is contributing to the inflammation.

Schedule a Consultation with a Uveitis Specialist

Uveitis and retinal inflammation may sound alarming, but with prompt care and proper management, vision loss can often be prevented. At Retina Group Florida, our uveitis specialist, Dr. Eduardo Uchiyama, brings expert care to patients facing autoimmune-related eye inflammation. If you’re experiencing symptoms or have concerns about your risk, don’t wait—schedule a retinal evaluation today.