Uvea

the part of the eye that contains the iris, ciliary body and choroid

Uveitis

The outer layer that encloses the eye is composed of the clear cornea and the white sclera.  The middle layer of the eye – called the uvea – is the nutritional layer, rich in blood vessels.  When inflammation develops within the uvea, this is termed uveitis.  Due to its rich blood supply, the uveal tract is a natural target for diseases originating in other parts of the body.  Additionally, uveitis may have causes within the eye (such as cataract), on the surface of the eye (such as a corneal ulcer) and trauma. (FAQ on Canine Uveitis or Feline Uveitis)

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is defined as increased pressure within the eye that causes degenerative changes in the optic nerve and retina with subsequent blindness.  (FAQ on Glaucoma)

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Syndrome (VKH)

VKH is an immune mediated (“auto-immune”) disease characterized by the body’s rejection of its own pigmented-containing cells.  The first place this reaction is often noticed is within the eyes, but it can also affect the pigmented skin of the nose, lips, eyelid margins and foot pads. (FAQ on VKH)