What does panuveitis refer to?

Panuveitis refers to the inflammation of all components of the uvea, which includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. This condition can be significant as it affects the entire uveal tract, resulting in a broader spectrum of symptoms and potential vision complications than inflammation limited to a single component of the uvea.

Understanding the components of the uvea is important. The iris is responsible for controlling light entry into the eye by adjusting pupil size, while the ciliary body has a role in accommodation (focusing) and producing aqueous humor. The choroid serves to nourish the retina and absorbs excess light. When all of these parts are inflamed, it can lead to more severe clinical presentations and might necessitate a more aggressive treatment approach.

Inflammation limited to the iris (iritis), the ciliary body (cyclitis), or other surrounding structures does not encompass the full spectrum of panuveitis. Thus, focusing on the entirety of the uveal structure is crucial in diagnosing and formulating treatment plans for patients presenting with signs of uveitis.