Aug. 21, 2025
Uveitis
Inflammation in the eye, as seen in uveitis, can cause adhesions of the iris to the lens, called posterior synechiae, resulting in an irregular shaped pupil.
At Mayo Clinic, Ophthalmology and Rheumatology work in close partnership to address some of the most complex and challenging cases in eye care, particularly those involving uveitis. Recognizing that uveitis often reflects underlying systemic autoimmune or inflammatory disease, Mayo Clinic emphasizes a truly multidisciplinary approach that brings together ophthalmologists, rheumatologists, immunologists and other specialists to provide seamless, patient-centered care.
Wendy M. Smith, M.D., an ophthalmologist with expertise in uveitis at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, leads collaborative efforts to diagnose and manage patients with conditions such as sarcoidosis, Behcet disease and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease. Alexander R. Shusko Jr., M.D., an ophthalmologist with expertise in uveitis at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, similarly partners with rheumatology colleagues to treat complex cases of spondyloarthropathy-associated uveitis and lupus-related ocular inflammation, ensuring that patients benefit from the collective expertise of a world-class team.
This integrated model allows Mayo Clinic to offer rapid, comprehensive assessments and initiate tailored therapies that address both ocular and systemic aspects of disease. For instance, patients with vision-threatening birdshot chorioretinopathy are evaluated jointly by Ophthalmology and Rheumatology to coordinate immunomodulatory therapy, while cases of juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis benefit from early, aggressive co-management to preserve long-term vision.
"Consultation with rheumatology specialists involves a detailed history and full physical exam to help determine if there are signs of a systemic inflammatory process," says Lilly H. Wagner, M.D., an oculoplastic surgeon at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, who co-manages inflammatory orbital disease with consultants from Rheumatology. "I value my rheumatology colleagues' input regarding medical safety, systemic issues and their experiences with other medications that we as ophthalmologists might not frequently prescribe. We keep in contact about the status of the eye inflammation and discuss whether medication needs to be increased or changed."
Mayo Clinic researchers continue to seek improved treatments. Mayo Clinic is currently a study site for an industry-sponsored, international clinical trial investigating the efficacy of a JAK inhibitor for the treatment of noninfectious uveitis.
"It is crucial to solidify an accurate diagnosis before starting uveitis treatment and establishing a follow-up plan," says Sophie J. Bakri, M.D., a vitreoretinal specialist and chair of Ophthalmology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. "By uniting subspecialty expertise under one institution and fostering a culture of collaboration, Mayo Clinic delivers innovative solutions and improves outcomes for patients with the most complex inflammatory eye diseases."
For more information
Refer a patient to Mayo Clinic.