Types of Uveitis
The symptoms you experience depend on the type of uveitis. There are various types of uveitis and they are all classified based on the location of the inflammation in the eye.
Let’s take a look at the types of uveitis.
Anterior uveitis (front of the eye)
Anterior uveitis is also known as iritis, because the inflammation occurs in the iris. The iris is the colored portion of the eye close to the front. Anterior uveitis is the most common type of uveitis. It occurs in healthy people. It can affect one eye at once. It is also the least severe form of uveitis. Therefore, it can be treated easily by your eye doctor.
Intermediate uveitis (middle of the eye)
Intermediate uveitis occurs in the middle portion of the eye. It is also known as iridocyclitis. From the name “intermediate,” the location of the inflammation is at the middle of the eye. The name does not describe the severity of the condition. The middle part of the eye includes the pars plans, which is the portion of the eye located between the iris and the choroid [1]. Like the anterior uveitis, this type of uveitis may also occur in healthy people. It is also linked with autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis [2].
Posterior uveitis (back of the eye)
Posterior uveitis affects the back of the eye. It is clinically referred to as choroiditis [3]. The tissue and blood vessels of the choroid play a significant role in supplying blood to the back of the eye. This type of uveitis usually occurs when you get exposed to an infection from a virus, fungus, or parasite. People with autoimmune disease [4] may also experience posterior uveitis.
Posterior uveitis usually presents with more severe symptoms than anterior uveitis because it can lead to scarring in the retina. The retina [5] is a group of cells in the back of the eye. Posterior uveitis (choroiditis) is the least common form of uveitis.
Panuveitis (all parts of the eye)
Panuveitis is a type of uveitis that affects every part of the eye. It is usually accompanied by a combination of features and symptoms from all three types of uveitis.