Uvea
The uvea (also called uveal tract) is the main vascular layer of the eye. It consists of 3 parts (Fig 2-19):
These structures are discussed separately in the next 3 sections.
The uvea is firmly attached to the sclera at only 3 sites:
These attachments account for the characteristic anterior dome-shaped choroidal detachment.
The classification of uveitis, established by the 2005 SUN (Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature) Working Group anatomical classification system, is based on the primary site of inflammation within the zones of the uvea:
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anterior: anterior chamber
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intermediate: vitreous
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posterior: choroid (primary or secondary from the retina)
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panuveitis: anterior chamber, vitreous, and retina or choroid
Uveitis is discussed extensively in BCSC Section 9, Uveitis and Ocular Inflammation.
Excerpted from BCSC 2020-2021 series: Section 2 - Fundamentals and Principles of Ophthalmology. For more information and to purchase the entire series, please visit https://www.aao.org/bcsc.