Posted by: Eye Health Northwest in Retina on January 23, 2026
Have you ever experienced unexplained eye pain that didn’t respond to over-the-counter drops? Eye discomfort can range from mild irritation to severe pain, and understanding what your symptoms might indicate can help you get the care you need.
Not all eye pain is the same. While some cases result from minor issues such as dry eyes or strain, persistent or severe pain may signal a more serious condition that requires immediate attention. Keep reading to learn how eye pain relates to uveitis and when you should seek care at EyeHealth Northwest.
What is Uveitis?
Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of your eye that includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. This vascular layer supplies blood to your retina and regulates light entry through your pupil.
When inflammation develops within these structures, it can create a cascade of effects that rapidly compromise your vision. The condition manifests in four distinct forms.
Anterior uveitis affects the front of your eye, while intermediate uveitis involves the middle portion. Posterior uveitis impacts the back of your eye, and panuveitis affects all three areas. Each type presents unique challenges and requires specialized treatment to prevent vision loss.
What are the Symptoms of Uveitis?
Eye pain is one of the most common symptoms of uveitis, particularly with anterior uveitis. This pain often appears suddenly and may feel intense or throbbing.
The discomfort typically doesn’t improve with standard over-the-counter eye drops, which distinguishes it from minor irritation caused by mild dry eye or eye strain.
Most patients also experience redness that appears different from typical eye irritation. Severe sensitivity to light makes normal activities uncomfortable, and many people find themselves avoiding bright environments. Blurred vision can develop quickly, and you might notice floating spots in your field of view or flashes of light.
The way symptoms present can vary based on which part of your eye is affected. Anterior uveitis typically causes more noticeable pain and redness. Intermediate and posterior forms may develop more subtly, with gradual vision changes or an increase in floaters being the first signs you notice.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Certain symptoms require immediate evaluation. Sudden severe vision loss, whether partial or complete, needs urgent attention. Intense eye pain that doesn’t respond to standard pain relievers shouldn’t be ignored, as this often indicates significant inflammation or damage.
A rapid increase in floaters or the sudden appearance of flashing lights in your vision can signal serious complications. Any combination of these symptoms warrants emergency care.
The timing of treatment directly affects your outcome, and delays can lead to permanent vision damage. Early intervention at EyeHealth Northwest allows your eye doctor to control inflammation before it causes lasting harm.
How Uveitis is Treated
Treatment for uveitis requires different approaches based on the type, severity, and underlying cause of inflammation. For most cases of anterior uveitis, topical corticosteroids provide the first line of defense. These eye drops work to reduce inflammation quickly, though the dosage and tapering schedule require careful monitoring to prevent rebound inflammation.
For more complex cases or when inflammation affects the middle or back of your eye, systemic medications may be necessary. Oral corticosteroids can provide more comprehensive anti-inflammatory effects throughout your eye.
In some situations, advanced injection therapies deliver medication directly to the affected area. At EyeHealth Northwest, our specialists offer a full spectrum of treatment options, from initial topical medications to advanced interventions for challenging cases.
If you’re experiencing eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, or any changes in your vision, don’t wait to seek care. Schedule an appointment at EyeHealth Northwest in Portland, OR, today to receive a thorough evaluation with our uveitis specialists.
