Uveitis Chapter 5: Diagnostic Considerations

This is the clinical heart of the uveitis series. A patient presents with intraocular inflammation — how do you classify it, build a differential, and test intelligently to reach a diagnosis? This chapter walks through the entire diagnostic approach, from the SUN classification system and the anatomic types of uveitis, through the symptoms and signs at the slit lamp, to a pattern-based differential and the targeted use of labs, imaging, and tissue sampling. You'll learn how to grade anterior chamber and vitreous inflammation, read keratic precipitates and chorioretinal lesions, work up retinal vasculitis, recognize masquerade syndromes, and choose the right imaging (OCT, FA, ICGA, FAF, ultrasound, ERG) and ocular sampling (PCR, culture, biopsy) for each scenario. The recurring theme: classify carefully, then test the differential — not a reflexive panel. Designed for ophthalmology residents and fellows. Includes clinical photographs, imaging examples, and procedural videos.