Definition: Uveitis is an inflammation of the uveal tract, or uvea, which is located in the middle portion of the eye. The uveal tract contains many blood vessels that carry blood flow to the eye. Since it nourishes many important parts of the eye, having inflammation in the uvea can damage your sight.

Symptoms: Symptoms of uveitis are light sensitivity, blurred vision, pain, and redness of the eye. You might experience all or some of these symptoms. If you experience a red and painful eye, you should be seen by an ophthalmologist.

Causes: Uveitis can be caused by a virus, such as shingles, mumps or herpes, a fungus, such as histoplasmosis, a parasite, such as toxoplasmosis, other related diseases, such as arthritis, and bacteria, such as syphilis.

Treatment: Uveitis is treated by an ophthalmologist with eye drops, usually steroids and pupil dilators, to reduce inflammation and pain. If more severe inflammation occurs, oral steroids or injections may be necessary. If left untreated, uveitis can cause complications such as glaucoma, cataracts, and neovascularization.