When your immune system attacks your own body, it can target almost anything—including the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. This condition is called autoimmune uveitis, a type of eye inflammation caused by the body mistakenly attacking its own eye tissue. It’s not just an eye problem; it’s often a sign that something deeper is going on, like autoimmune disease, a group of disorders where the immune system attacks healthy cells. People with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or ankylosing spondylitis are at higher risk. Autoimmune uveitis doesn’t show up out of nowhere—it’s usually tied to a larger immune system malfunction.
What makes autoimmune uveitis tricky is that it doesn’t always cause pain. Some people notice blurry vision, light sensitivity, or floaters. Others only discover it during a routine eye exam. Left untreated, it can lead to glaucoma, cataracts, or even vision loss. That’s why treating the eye alone isn’t enough. You need to treat the root cause: the overactive immune system. That’s where medications like hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial drug repurposed to calm immune responses in autoimmune conditions and TNF inhibitors, biologic drugs that block a key inflammation protein called tumor necrosis factor come in. These aren’t just eye drops—they’re systemic treatments. And if you’re thinking about pregnancy, this becomes even more important. Some drugs are safe during pregnancy, others aren’t. Hydroxychloroquine is often continued, while certain biologics are paused. Planning ahead isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Autoimmune uveitis doesn’t exist in isolation. It’s connected to other autoimmune conditions, dietary habits, and even how your body handles inflammation. That’s why you’ll find posts here about anti-inflammatory diets that help reduce flare-ups, about pregnancy planning for people with autoimmune disorders, and about how medications like TNF inhibitors interact with other treatments. You’ll also see how pharmacists track side effects, how drug safety is monitored, and why some treatments work better for some people than others. This isn’t just about one eye condition—it’s about understanding how your immune system works, what triggers it, and how to manage it safely over time. What you’ll find below are real, practical guides from people who’ve been there—whether they’re managing uveitis, lupus, or planning a pregnancy while on immune-modulating drugs. No fluff. Just what works.
