Uveitis Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Uveitis is a medical term describing inflammation inside the eyeball. It can affect one or more of the following internal parts of the eye:

  • Iris (the colored part of the eye)
  • Ciliary body
  • Vitreous gel (the clear gel that fills most of the eye)
  • Retina
  • Choroid (the main blood vessel layer of the eye)
  • Optic nerve

In Grand Rapids, uveitis is typically diagnosed and managed by ophthalmologists at major eye care centers and hospitals such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and other local eye clinics.

Iritis: The Most Common Type of Uveitis

What is iritis (anterior uveitis)?

Iritis is inflammation of the iris, the colored part of your eye.
When inflammation is mainly in the front of the eye, it is also called anterior uveitis.

Iritis is the most common pattern of uveitis seen in adults, including patients in the Grand Rapids and West Michigan area.

Causes of Uveitis and Iritis

Uveitis can be caused by a variety of conditions, but in many people no exact cause is found, even after testing.

Known causes include:

  • Autoimmune diseases
    • Ankylosing spondylitis
    • Sarcoidosis
    • Other systemic autoimmune or rheumatologic conditions
  • Isolated ocular autoimmune disorder
    • The immune system attacks the eye without a known disease elsewhere
  • Infections
    • Herpes virus infections
    • Syphilis
    • Toxoplasmosis
    • Bacteria in patients with sepsis (serious bloodstream infection)
  • Medications
    • Certain glaucoma eye drops
    • Some cancer immunotherapy drugs
  • Eye injury or surgery
    • Past eye trauma
    • Multiple eye operations
  • Immune reaction to tattoo ink in some people

Because uveitis can be linked to conditions that affect the whole body, ophthalmologists in Grand Rapids often work closely with primary care doctors, rheumatologists, and infectious disease specialists at local health systems.

Symptoms of Uveitis

Common symptoms

Uveitis can involve one or both eyes. Symptoms usually start suddenly and may include:

  • Red eye
  • Eye pain
  • Eye pain in bright light (light sensitivity)
  • Blurred vision
  • Pain when moving the eye
  • Pain when focusing on near objects (for example, reading a book or phone)
  • Small and/or distorted pupil

Attacks often involve only one eye at a time, especially in iritis.

Who is most affected?

  • Young and middle-aged adults are most commonly affected.
  • People with autoimmune conditions, past eye injuries, or certain infections may be at higher risk.

In West Michigan, seasonal illnesses and infections that spike in colder months may occasionally be associated with inflammatory eye conditions, making it especially important to seek care for new eye pain or redness during the winter.

Types of Uveitis (Anatomical Classification)

Doctors classify uveitis by the main area of the eye that is inflamed:

1. Anterior uveitis (iritis / iridocyclitis)

  • Involves the iris and sometimes the ciliary body
  • This is the most common type
  • Symptoms: red, painful eye, light sensitivity, blurred vision, small pupil

2. Intermediate uveitis (pars planitis)

  • Involves the vitreous gel (the clear gel that fills most of the eye)
  • May cause floaters and blurred vision
  • Often more complex to treat and may last months or years

3. Posterior uveitis

  • Involves the choroid, retina, or optic nerve
  • These structures are at the back of the eye
  • Can cause serious vision problems if not treated promptly

4. Panuveitis

  • Involves all major parts of the eye (front, middle, and back)
  • Often linked to systemic autoimmune disease or infections

Why Prompt Treatment in Grand Rapids Matters

Without correct and timely treatment, iritis and other forms of uveitis can cause permanent vision problems.
However, if uveitis is diagnosed and treated early, there is often no permanent damage to the eye or vision.

Because Grand Rapids experiences long, dark winters and frequent indoor heating, people may dismiss eye redness or discomfort as “dry eyes” or “tired eyes.” If your eye is red, painful, or sensitive to light, it is important not to ignore these symptoms.

Diagnosis of Uveitis in Grand Rapids

How uveitis is diagnosed

Diagnosis depends on a thorough eye examination by an eye specialist (ophthalmologist). This usually includes:

  • Detailed medical and eye history
  • Visual acuity testing (checking how well you see)
  • Slit-lamp examination (microscope exam of the eye)
  • Pupil examination
  • Dilated eye exam to view the retina and optic nerve

Because uveitis can be a sign of an undiagnosed disease elsewhere in the body, your ophthalmologist may:

  • Review your full medical history
  • Order blood tests
  • Order imaging tests such as X-rays or other scans

In Grand Rapids, these tests are typically available through hospital systems like Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and associated diagnostic centers.

Treatment of Uveitis

Uveitis should be treated by a medical eye specialist (ophthalmologist). Treatment depends on the type and cause of uveitis, and on which part of the eye is involved.

Common treatments

  1. Corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory medications)

    • Most people with anterior uveitis (iritis) respond well to corticosteroid eye drops.
    • For intermediate or posterior uveitis, treatment may include:
      • Local injections of corticosteroids around or into the eye
      • Oral corticosteroids (tablets)

  2. Cycloplegic medications (pupil-dilating drops)

    • Eye drops that dilate the pupil to prevent it sticking to the lens
    • Help reduce the risk of scarring between the pupil and the lens
    • Also help reduce eye pain

  3. Immunosuppressive medications

    • Used when corticosteroids alone are not enough
    • Help control the immune system’s attack on the eye
    • Often managed in coordination with rheumatologists in Grand Rapids

  4. Treatment of underlying conditions

    • If uveitis is caused by an infection (such as herpes, syphilis, or toxoplasmosis), antiviral, antibiotic, or antiparasitic medications may be required
    • If linked to an autoimmune disease, that condition must also be treated

How long does treatment last?

  • An episode of anterior uveitis typically takes 6 to 10 weeks to treat.
  • Intermediate and posterior uveitis are often more complex and may require treatment for many months or even years.

You will need close monitoring by your ophthalmologist during treatment to adjust medications and minimize side effects and complications.

Possible Complications of Uveitis

Without proper care, or sometimes even despite treatment, uveitis can lead to complications such as:

  • Glaucoma

    • Increased pressure in the eye that can damage the optic nerve and vision

  • Lens opacity (cataract)

    • Uveitis itself, or long-term corticosteroid treatment, can cause the natural lens inside the eye to lose its transparency and become opaque
    • This is called a cataract
    • Cataracts can usually be treated effectively with cataract surgery, where the cloudy natural lens is replaced with a clear artificial lens

Because these complications can threaten vision, regular follow-up with an ophthalmologist in Grand Rapids is essential.

Living in Grand Rapids with Uveitis

In the Grand Rapids area, certain factors may affect people living with uveitis:

  • Cold winters and indoor heating can worsen dry eye symptoms, which may mask or mimic early discomfort from uveitis.
  • Driving in winter glare or lake-effect snow can be especially difficult if you have light sensitivity or blurred vision.
  • Access to specialist eye care is available through major health systems and private ophthalmology practices across Kent County.

If you have uveitis, regular eye exams and good communication with your eye doctor are critical to protect your vision year-round.

Where to Get Help for Uveitis in Grand Rapids, MI

If you have symptoms such as a red, painful eye, light sensitivity, or blurred vision, seek prompt medical care.

Local resources include:

  • Your GP / Primary Care Doctor

    • Can provide an initial assessment and refer you to an ophthalmologist

  • Ophthalmologists (Eye Specialists)

    • Available through:
      • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) ophthalmology clinics
      • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
      • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
      • Private eye clinics and retina specialists in Grand Rapids

  • Local hospitals and eye clinics

    • Emergency departments at Grand Rapids hospitals can evaluate urgent eye symptoms

  • Kent County Health Department & Grand Rapids Public Health resources

    • May offer information on access to care, insurance assistance, and community health programs

If you experience sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or a sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Key Points About Uveitis and Iritis in Grand Rapids

  • Iritis is the most common type of uveitis, especially in young and middle-aged adults.
  • Without correct treatment, iritis can cause permanent vision problems.
  • Uveitis can affect the front, middle, back, or all parts of the eye.
  • Causes include autoimmune disease, infections, medications, past eye injury, and isolated ocular autoimmune disorders—but sometimes no cause is found.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment by an ophthalmologist in Grand Rapids can often prevent permanent damage.
  • Ongoing monitoring and follow-up are essential to manage the disease and prevent complications such as glaucoma and cataracts.