[Approach to the patient with acute anterior uveitis]

Uveitis refers to inflammation of the uveal tract, which includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. Common usage has expanded this definition, however, to include intraocular inflammation of any type. Hence, retinitis, retinal vasculitis, and papillitis are also grouped under uveitis, even in the absence of significant uveal tract inflammation. Uveitis can also be secondary to corneal, scleral, or orbital inflammation. Experience has shown that identifying the primary focus of intraocular inflammation is important, both for establishing a diagnosis and as a predictor of natural history and response to therapy. A number of ocular and systemic syndromes are recognized to cause anterior uveitis. Clues to the diagnosis of the more commonly encountered anterior uveitis syndromes are outlined below. It is important to pay particular attention to the severity of the anterior chamber inflammation, and to note the presence of anterior granulomatous findings since the intensity and character of the inflammation can sometimes suggest a diagnosis.