A topical steroid is a corticosteroid medication applied directly to the surface of the eye or eyelids. It is commonly used as an eye drop or ointment to reduce inflammation. Ophthalmologists and optometrists use it in many inflammatory eye conditions and after certain eye surgeries. It is different from antibiotic drops because it targets inflammation, not bacteria.

herpetic uveitis is uveitis (intraocular inflammation) linked to herpes-family viruses. It most often refers to inflammation in the front of the eye (anterior uveitis) caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) or varicella-zoster virus (VZV), and sometimes cytomegalovirus (CMV). In plain terms, it is eye inflammation triggered by a virus that can also affect the cornea, iris, and eye pressure. The term is commonly used in ophthalmology clinics to describe a cause of recurrent, usually one-sided red eye with light sensitivity and blurred vision.

syphilitic uveitis is eye inflammation caused by the syphilis bacterium (*Treponema pallidum*). It is a type of uveitis, meaning inflammation of the uveal tract (the iris, ciliary body, and choroid). It can affect the front, middle, or back of the eye and may also involve the retina and optic nerve. The term is commonly used in ophthalmology, optometry, infectious disease, and emergency eye care.

TB uveitis is inflammation inside the eye that is linked to tuberculosis (TB) infection. It is used as a clinical term when eye findings suggest TB may be a cause or trigger. It can affect the front, middle, or back of the eye, and sometimes multiple areas at once. The term is most commonly used in ophthalmology clinics and uveitis specialty care.

CMV most commonly refers to **cytomegalovirus**, a common human herpesvirus. It can stay inactive (latent) in the body and reactivate later, especially when immunity is reduced. In eye care, CMV is best known for causing **retinitis** and certain forms of **uveitis**. CMV is also discussed in labs and clinics when testing for viral causes of eye inflammation.

toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite *Toxoplasma gondii*. It can affect many parts of the body, including the eye. In eye care, it is best known for causing inflammation and scarring in the retina and choroid (the light-sensing layer and its blood-rich support layer). The term is commonly used in ophthalmology when discussing posterior uveitis (inflammation in the back of the eye) and retinochoroiditis.

infectious uveitis is inflammation inside the eye caused by an infection. It involves the uvea (the eye’s middle layer) and can also affect the retina and vitreous. It is commonly discussed in eye clinics when a “red, painful, blurry eye” might have an infectious cause. It is also a key concept in ophthalmology training because treatment differs from noninfectious uveitis.

sympathetic ophthalmia is a rare, immune-mediated inflammation inside the eyes that can occur after a serious eye injury or eye surgery. It typically affects **both eyes**, even if only one eye was injured. In plain terms, it is the body’s immune system reacting to eye tissues after they have been exposed by trauma or surgery. The term is commonly used in ophthalmology to describe a specific type of **bilateral uveitis** linked to a prior “inciting” eye event.

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) is an autoimmune inflammatory condition that can affect the eyes and other organs. In the eye, it most often presents as a form of uveitis (inflammation inside the eye) involving the choroid and retina. Outside the eye, it can involve the meninges (tissues around the brain), the inner ear, and the skin/hair. It is commonly discussed in ophthalmology because early recognition can help limit vision-threatening inflammation.

Behçet disease is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory condition that can affect multiple organs, including the eyes. It is usually classified as a type of systemic vasculitis, meaning inflammation that can involve blood vessels of different sizes. In eye care, Behçet disease is most often discussed when it causes uveitis (intraocular inflammation) and retinal vasculitis (inflammation of retinal vessels). The term is commonly used in ophthalmology, rheumatology, dermatology, and neurology because symptoms can span several body systems.

sarcoid uveitis is eye inflammation (uveitis) associated with sarcoidosis, a systemic inflammatory disease. It can involve the front, middle, or back of the eye and may affect one or both eyes. The term is commonly used in ophthalmology and uveitis clinics when evaluating unexplained ocular inflammation. It also comes up in multidisciplinary care because sarcoidosis can involve the lungs, skin, lymph nodes, and other organs.

HLA-B27 uveitis is a type of uveitis (eye inflammation) that is associated with the HLA-B27 genetic marker. It most often refers to acute anterior uveitis, meaning inflammation in the front part of the eye. It is commonly discussed in eye clinics and emergency eye care because it can cause sudden pain, redness, and light sensitivity. It is also used in rheumatology and primary care because it may be linked to inflammatory conditions elsewhere in the body.

hypopyon uveitis is a type of uveitis where a visible layer of white blood cells collects in the front chamber of the eye. The “hypopyon” looks like a pale fluid level that settles at the bottom of the iris (the colored part of the eye). It is most commonly discussed in eye clinics and emergency settings because it can signal marked inflammation or infection. Clinicians use the term to communicate severity, guide testing, and prioritize urgent evaluation.

nongranulomatous uveitis is a type of inflammation inside the eye, most often affecting the front part of the eye (the anterior chamber). It is described by a particular clinical appearance, including fine inflammatory deposits and a more “acute” pattern in many cases. The term is commonly used by eye care clinicians to classify uveitis during an exam and guide the diagnostic workup. It is also used in medical records and research to distinguish it from granulomatous forms of uveitis.

granulomatous uveitis is a type of intraocular inflammation that affects the uvea and nearby eye tissues. It is defined by a specific “granulomatous” inflammatory pattern seen on exam and sometimes on testing. Clinicians use the term to describe certain eye findings and to narrow the list of possible causes. It is commonly used in ophthalmology clinics, emergency eye care, and uveitis specialty practices.

retinochoroiditis is inflammation that involves both the retina and the choroid at the back of the eye. It can affect central or peripheral vision depending on where the inflammation occurs. The term is commonly used in ophthalmology to describe a clinical finding and diagnosis, not a single procedure. It is often discussed in the context of infectious and inflammatory eye disease.

retinitis is inflammation of the retina, the light-sensing tissue lining the back of the eye. It is a clinical term used when the retina is affected by infection, immune activity, or inflammation-related injury. In practice, it often appears in eye clinic notes, imaging reports, and hospital consultations. Because the retina is essential for detailed vision, retinitis can be vision-threatening depending on location and cause.

choroiditis is inflammation of the choroid, a blood-rich layer at the back of the eye. It is commonly discussed in eye clinics as a cause of posterior uveitis (inflammation in the back of the eye). It can affect vision because the choroid supports the retina, which senses light. The term is used in ophthalmology to describe patterns of inflammation seen on examination and imaging.

cyclitis is inflammation of the ciliary body, a structure inside the eye that helps focus and produces eye fluid. It is usually discussed as part of uveitis, meaning inflammation of the eye’s uveal tract. Clinicians use the term when describing certain patterns of eye inflammation and related findings on exam. Patients may encounter it in medical notes, imaging reports, or discussions of “anterior uveitis” or “iridocyclitis.”

iridocyclitis is inflammation of the iris and the ciliary body at the front of the eye. It is commonly discussed as a form of **anterior uveitis** in eye clinics and medical training. People may hear the term during evaluation of a painful, light-sensitive red eye. Clinicians use it to describe a specific pattern of inflammation seen on an eye exam.