Most cases of inflammation in front of the eye will resolve quickly with treatment. However, uveitis can lead to several complications depending of which part of the eye is affected. This risk is higher when the inflammation is in the middle or back of the eye.
- Cataract: Long-term inflammation and steroid use can cause clouding of the lens behind the pupil leading to blurry vision
- Glaucoma: Chronic inflammation and steroids can increase in eye pressure, damaging the nerve at the back of the eye and affecting your visual field
- Posterior synechiae: Chronic inflammation can cause the iris (the coloured part of your eye) to stick to the lens, which in turn can cause high pressure
- Macular oedema: Inflammation can cause fluid leakage from blood vessels in the retina (the back of the eye), leading to swelling and visual loss
- Retinal detachment: Inflammation at the back of the eye can cause the light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye to detach from its supporting structures causing loss of vision
Last reviewed: 08 August 2025