When your immune system turns against your own body, it can attack almost anything—including your eyes. Autoimmune uveitis, a type of eye inflammation triggered by the immune system mistakenly targeting the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. It's not just redness or irritation—it's a serious condition that can lead to vision loss if left untreated. Unlike infections that come from outside, autoimmune uveitis starts inside you. Your immune system, designed to fight germs, gets confused and attacks healthy tissue in the iris, ciliary body, or choroid. This is why it often shows up alongside other autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis.
Corticosteroids, powerful anti-inflammatory drugs used to calm the immune system’s attack on the eye are the first line of defense. They come as eye drops, pills, or injections, depending on how severe the inflammation is. But long-term use brings risks—like cataracts, glaucoma, or even skin thinning if used systemically. That’s why doctors often turn to immunosuppressants, medications that reduce immune activity more selectively than steroids for longer-term control. Drugs like methotrexate, azathioprine, or biologics like adalimumab help keep inflammation down without the same side effects. The goal isn’t just to mask symptoms—it’s to stop the immune system from keeping the attack going.
Autoimmune uveitis doesn’t always show up alone. It’s often a clue that something deeper is going on in your body. That’s why doctors don’t just treat the eye—they look for other signs. If you’ve been diagnosed, you might need blood tests or imaging to check for conditions like sarcoidosis, ankylosing spondylitis, or Behçet’s disease. And because symptoms can flare up unexpectedly, tracking triggers—stress, infections, or even certain medications—is key. Some people find relief with lifestyle changes, but there’s no substitute for medical management.
You’ll find real-world insights here on how these treatments work, what side effects to watch for, and how they connect to other conditions you might be managing. Whether you’re dealing with uveitis yourself or supporting someone who is, the articles below give you clear, practical guidance—not just theory. From steroid risks to how biologics change the game, this collection cuts through the noise and gives you what actually matters.
