Uveitis in Rheumatic Diseases

Uveitis is a common extra-articular manifestation of many rheumatic diseases and can be associated with considerable morbidity, both in terms of vision loss and the need for systemic immunosuppression. Anterior uveitis is symptomatic in adults, presenting as a red, painful eye with photophobia, and is most commonly associated with HLAB27 disease. In contrast, chronic anterior uveitis can be silent in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, necessitating regular screening to detect its presence. Posterior segment inflammation carries a worse prognosis for vision, and usually manifests as floaters and visual impairment. This article reviews the pathophysiology and clinical features of uveitis occurring in association with systemic inflammatory disease, as well as discussing the current and emerging therapies available for treating its various manifestations.