Uveitis and Ocular Immunology

Uveitis is a rare inflammatory disease of the eye that is the third leading cause of vision loss in the United States. Most patients have never heard of uveitis until they contract it. Because the disease is characterized by redness of the eye and can easily be mistaken for conjunctivitis, many physicians fail to recognize it.

That’s why it is so important to see an experienced uveitis specialist at an ophthalmic center where the condition can be thoroughly diagnosed and treated. New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (NYEE) is one of the most prominent sites in the region for detecting and managing the disease. Our team of uveitis ophthalmologists and fellows is skilled at handling the most complex cases and consulting on other inflammatory eye disorders, including scleritis, episcleritis, interstitial keratitis, cicatrizing conjunctivitis, ocular sarcoidosis, and uveitis associated with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. In addition to providing outstanding outpatient care to thousands of patients annually, our specialists are engaged in clinical trials aimed at gaining a greater understanding of the disease and the development of new treatments for uveitis.

NYEE’s Advanced Retinal Imaging Center works closely with our physicians to determine what type of uveitis is present and what part of the eye is affected. Our imaging specialists use the most advanced tools in the field, such as optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green (ICG) angiography to make accurate diagnoses on which to base treatment.

With proper diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management, inflammation from uveitis can be carefully controlled and the patient’s vision preserved.