what is the connection between autoimmune diseases and uveitis?
What is Uveitis?
Uveitis is inflammation (swelling) inside your eye. The uvea is the middle layer of your eye that includes the iris (the colored part), the ciliary body (which helps your eye focus), and the choroid (which supplies blood to your eye). When you have uveitis, you may experience eye redness, pain, sensitivity to light, blurry vision, or seeing spots or floaters in your vision.
What are Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases?
Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) are conditions where your immune system—which normally protects you from infections—mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues, causing chronic inflammation. These diseases can affect different parts of your body, including your joints, skin, intestines, and other organs.Examples include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (joint inflammation)
- Ankylosing spondylitis (spine inflammation)
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (joint inflammation in children)
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (can affect multiple organs)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (intestinal inflammation)
- Sarcoidosis (can affect lungs and other organs)
- Psoriasis (skin inflammation)
- Multiple sclerosis (affects the nervous system)
The Two-Way Connection
Recent research has shown that uveitis and autoimmune diseases are strongly connected in both directions:
If you have an autoimmune disease, you have a higher risk of developing uveitis. The highest risks are seen in people with ankylosing spondylitis (nearly 8 times higher risk), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (5 times higher risk), and systemic vasculitis (over 4 times higher risk). This increased risk is especially important during the first five years after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease.
If you have uveitis, you also have a higher risk of developing an autoimmune disease in the future. For example, people with uveitis have a much higher chance of being diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis later on.
Why Does This Connection Exist?
Scientists believe that uveitis and autoimmune diseases share similar underlying immune system problems. Some autoimmune diseases and uveitis may be triggered by the same genetic factors (like a gene called HLA-B27) or involve similar inflammatory chemicals in the body that cause damage to both the joints or other organs and the eyes.
What This Means for You
If you have been diagnosed with uveitis:
- Your doctor should check for signs of autoimmune diseases, even if you don't have symptoms yet
- Watch for warning signs like joint pain, skin rashes, or unusual fatigue, and report them to your doctor
- You may need to see a rheumatologist (a doctor who specializes in autoimmune diseases) for further evaluation
If you have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease:
- Be aware of eye symptoms like redness, pain, light sensitivity, blurry vision, or floaters
- Report any eye symptoms to your doctor right away, as early treatment can prevent vision loss
- You may need regular eye examinations, especially during the first five years after your diagnosis
Why Early Detection Matters
Both uveitis and autoimmune diseases can cause serious complications if left untreated. Untreated uveitis can lead to cataracts, glaucoma, and permanent vision loss. Similarly, untreated autoimmune diseases can cause progressive damage to joints, organs, and other body systems. Early detection and treatment of both conditions can help preserve your vision and overall health.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- Should I be screened for autoimmune diseases?
- What symptoms should I watch for?
- How often should I have eye examinations?
- Do I need to see any other specialists?
- What can I do to reduce my risk of complications?
References
Uveitis in Adults. Maghsoudlou P, Epps SJ, Guly CM, Dick AD. JAMA. 2025;:2834628. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.4358.
Reframing Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases through Signature Cytokine Hubs. Schett G, McInnes IB, Neurath MF. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2021;385(7):628-639. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1909094.
Exploring the Association Between Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases and Uveitis. Mohan N, Srivastava SK, Schulgit MJ, et al. American Journal of Ophthalmology. 2026;:S0002-9394(26)00011-5. doi:10.1016/j.ajo.2026.01.004.
Activation of the Interleukin-23/Interleukin-17 Signalling Pathway in Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Uveitis. Zhong Z, Su G, Kijlstra A, Yang P. Progress in Retinal and Eye Research. 2021;80:100866. doi:10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100866.
Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases: Common and Different Pathogenic and Clinical Features. Monteleone G, Moscardelli A, Colella A, Marafini I, Salvatori S. Autoimmunity Reviews. 2023;22(10):103410. doi:10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103410.
