The inflammation is associated with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis . The disorder may affect only one eye and is most common in young and middle-aged people. A history of autoimmune diseases is a risk factor. Posterior uveitis affects the back portion of the uveal tract and may involve the choroid cell layer or the retinal cell layer or both. This condition is also referred to as granulomatous uveitis, choroiditis, choroidoretinitis, or sometimes retinitis.
Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common causes of congenital uveitis in infants.
The inflammation causes spotty areas of scarring that correspond to areas with vision loss . The degree of vision loss depends on the amount and location of scarring. If the central part of the retina, called the macula is involved, central vision becomes impaired. Treatment of the causative disorders may help to prevent uveitis for some people. A slit lamp examination may be performed.