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Inflamed eye (iritis or uveitis)

Also called: Uveitis, iritis, inflamed eye

Inflammation inside the eye causing pain, redness, light sensitivity, and blurry vision. It needs an eye doctor quickly.

UrgencySee an eye doctor within a day

Overview

Uveitis is inflammation of the middle layer of the eye. It can be linked to arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or infections.

Untreated, it can cause glaucoma, cataracts, or vision loss.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Painful red eye with light sensitivity

Less common

  • Floaters
  • Small pupil

When to get medical care

Call 911Sudden vision loss.
Get care todayPainful red eye.
See a doctor soonSymptoms that last or keep coming back.

Causes

Immune conditions.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Arthritis

Diagnosis

Eye exam.

Treatment

Get care.

Self-care

  • Wear sunglasses
  • Use drops exactly as prescribed

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Steroid drops
Inflammation

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to an ophthalmologist (eye doctor and surgeon) or an optometrist.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • People with ankylosing spondylitis: Higher risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • A list of your medicines and supplements
  • Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

  • Is this linked to another condition?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Inflamed eye (iritis or uveitis)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.