Practical diagnostic approach to uveitis

Accounting for approximately 10% of blindness in the USA, uveitis refers to a group of heterogeneous diseases that share the features of intraocular inflammation but whose etiologies include idiopathic autoimmune disease, infections, rheumatologic diseases and masquerade syndromes. Correct diagnosis with timely and appropriate therapy is key to reducing disease-associated morbidity. The multitude of possible causes can create diagnostic challenges, but a successful approach includes a targeted history of the illness and associated symptoms, detailed ocular evaluation and specific laboratory investigations. The purpose of this article is to aid in the initial evaluation and decision-making strategy for uveitis according to the Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature Working Group classification scheme and to provide a brief look at the anticipated future for diagnostic tools.