Uveitis Specialist in Melrose, Johannesburg

Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. This layer contains many of the eye’s blood vessels and plays a critical role in nourishing the retina and other vital structures.

When inflammation affects the uvea, it can quickly spread to other parts of the eye, leading to pain, light sensitivity, and visual disturbance. Early specialist treatment is essential.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, prompt ophthalmic evaluation is recommended:

• Deep, aching eye pain
• Persistent redness that does not improve
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred or reduced vision
• New floaters or dark spots in vision

Symptoms may develop suddenly or gradually and can affect one or both eyes.

Uveitis is often associated with underlying systemic conditions. At Glenhove Eye Clinic, we look beyond the eye to identify contributing factors.

Uveitis may be linked to:

• Autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or ankylosing spondylitis

• Infections including shingles, toxoplasmosis, or tuberculosis

• Inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis or inflammatory bowel disease

Identifying the cause helps guide treatment and reduce the risk of recurrence.

If left untreated uveitis can lead to:: 

• cataracts,
• glaucoma,
• swelling at the back of the eye.

All of these conditions can result in significant loss of vision.