Uvea
Definition
The uvea is the middle layer of the eye beneath the white part of the eye (the sclera). It is made of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. These structures control many eye functions, such as adjusting to different levels of light or different distances of objects. Inflammation of one or more of these structures is called uveitis.
Alternative Names
Vascular tunic
References
Evans M. Uveitis and other intraocular inflammations. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby Elsevier; 2008:chap 7.
Review Date:
8/14/2011
Reviewed By:
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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