When uveitic glaucoma, a condition where inflammation of the uvea leads to increased eye pressure and potential optic nerve damage. Also known as inflammatory glaucoma, it doesn’t just raise pressure—it disrupts the eye’s natural drainage system, often silently. This isn’t just another type of glaucoma. It’s a direct result of uveitis, inflammation of the middle layer of the eye that includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid, which can be triggered by infections, autoimmune disorders, or trauma. Left untreated, uveitis doesn’t just cause redness and pain—it can permanently damage the eye’s drainage channels, turning a treatable inflammation into a sight-threatening problem.
What makes uveitic glaucoma tricky is that the two conditions feed each other. High intraocular pressure, the fluid pressure inside the eye that, when too high, damages the optic nerve from glaucoma can worsen inflammation, and ongoing inflammation can block fluid outflow, pushing pressure even higher. It’s a cycle. Steroid eye drops, often used to calm uveitis, can themselves raise eye pressure in some people. That’s why monitoring isn’t optional—it’s essential. People with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis are at higher risk, and so are those who’ve had eye surgery or trauma. If you’ve been told you have uveitis, asking about your eye pressure isn’t being paranoid—it’s being smart.
There’s no one-size-fits-all fix. Treatment has to tackle both sides: reducing inflammation with targeted meds and bringing pressure down with drops, lasers, or sometimes surgery. But many patients don’t realize that even after the redness fades, the pressure might still be climbing. That’s why regular checkups with an eye specialist aren’t just a recommendation—they’re your best defense against permanent vision loss. The posts below dig into real cases, treatment trade-offs, and what actually works when standard glaucoma meds fall short. You’ll find clear comparisons of steroid alternatives, how different drugs affect eye pressure, and what to watch for if your symptoms seem to return. This isn’t theoretical. These are the things people living with uveitic glaucoma need to know to protect their vision.
