Which systemic condition is the most common cause of uveitis in children?

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is indeed recognized as the most common systemic condition associated with uveitis in children. Uveitis refers to inflammation of the uveal tract of the eye, which includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. In children with JIA, especially the oligoarticular form, the development of uveitis can often occur without accompanying ocular symptoms, making it critical for pediatricians and ophthalmologists to monitor these patients closely for early detection and management of uveitis.

The inflammation can lead to significant complications, including cataracts, glaucoma, and vision loss if not treated adequately. The association between JIA and uveitis is so strong that children diagnosed with this condition are often screened for ocular involvement as part of their routine care.

Other conditions listed tend to be associated with uveitis but are not as prevalent as JIA in the pediatric population. Congenital glaucoma can cause secondary uveitis but is primarily a structural eye condition rather than a systemic inflammatory disease. Similarly, retinoblastoma is a malignant tumor primarily of the retina and does not commonly lead to the onset of uveitis. Vasculitis, though it can cause uveitis, is less