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Intermediate uveitis is inflammation that primarily involves the vitreous and the peripheral retina near the pars plana. When it is idiopathic and shows characteristic peripheral exudates, it is often called pars planitis. Symptoms are commonly floaters and blurred vision rather than severe pain. It can lead to complications such as cystoid macular edema, so monitoring and treatment planning are important.
read more about intermediate uveitis ...Intermediate uveitis is defined by vitreous inflammation, often described as vitritis. Classic findings can include clumps of inflammatory material called snowballs and peripheral exudates called snowbanking in pars planitis. Retinal vasculitis in the periphery can also be present in some cases. These findings are identified during a dilated exam by an eye specialist.
Many cases are idiopathic, especially in pars planitis. Some cases are associated with systemic inflammatory disease, so clinicians may recommend targeted evaluation based on age, symptoms, and exam pattern. Associations are considered more strongly when disease is bilateral or recurrent.
Diagnosis is based on the location of inflammation and exam findings, supported by imaging when needed. Optical coherence tomography is often used to check for macular edema, and fluorescein angiography can assess leakage or vasculitis. Laboratory tests are chosen selectively to rule out systemic disease, especially sarcoidosis or infection, when suggested by history or exam. The workup is tailored to avoid unnecessary testing while not missing treatable causes.
Treatment depends on severity, laterality, and whether the macula is affected. Options include corticosteroids delivered as drops are usually not enough for intermediate disease, so periocular, intraocular, or systemic steroids may be used when indicated. Steroid-sparing immunomodulatory therapy can be considered for chronic or recurrent noninfectious disease. Follow-up focuses on controlling inflammation and preventing complications such as macular edema, cataract, and glaucoma.
Intermediate uveitis describes inflammation centered in the vitreous and pars plana region. Pars planitis is a subtype of intermediate uveitis that is idiopathic by definition and often features snowballs or snowbanking. Your clinician uses the exam pattern and testing to classify it.
It can be associated in some patients, especially when certain neurologic symptoms are present. Not everyone with intermediate uveitis has multiple sclerosis, and many cases are idiopathic. Evaluation is individualized based on risk factors.
Inflammatory cells and debris in the vitreous scatter light, which can be perceived as floaters. When inflammation is active, floaters are often more noticeable. As inflammation improves, floaters may lessen, but some can persist.
It can if complications such as macular edema or chronic inflammation are not controlled. With timely treatment and monitoring, many patients maintain useful vision. Early evaluation is important when symptoms worsen.
Intermediate Uveitis. American Academy of Ophthalmology (EyeWiki). https://eyewiki.org/Intermediate_Uveitis. Date Accessed: February 18, 2026.
Pars Planitis. StatPearls Publishing (NCBI Bookshelf). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470332/. Date Accessed: February 18, 2026.
Classification Criteria for Multiple Sclerosis-Associated Intermediate Uveitis. Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature (SUN) Working Group. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33845022/. Date Accessed: February 18, 2026.
Classification Criteria for Intermediate Uveitis, Non-Pars Planitis Type. Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature (SUN) Working Group. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33839089/. Date Accessed: February 18, 2026.
Classification Criteria For Pars Planitis. Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature (SUN) Working Group. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33845006/. Date Accessed: February 18, 2026.