**Question:** A 25-year-old male gives a history of redness, pain and mild diminution of vision in one eye for past 3 days. There is also a history of low backache for the past one year. On examination there is circumcorneal congestion, cornea is clear apart from a few fine keratic precipitates on the corneal endothelium, there are 2+ cells in the anterior chamber and the intraocular pressure is within normal limits. The patient is most likely suffering from

A. Corneal ulcer
B. Corneal inflammation (keratitis)
C. Uveitis
D. Glaucoma

**Correct Answer:** C. Uveitis

**Core Concept:** Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, which is the middle layer of the eye (consisting of the iris, choroid, and ciliary body). When uveitis occurs, it can present with various ocular symptoms and signs, as well as systemic symptoms.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**
The correct answer is Uveitis (option C) because the patient exhibits several key features that are consistent with this diagnosis:

1. **Corneal congestion and fine keratic precipitates on the corneal endothelium**: These are typical signs seen in uveitis which is an inflammation of the uvea, affecting the cornea, iris, and ciliary body. The fine keratic precipitates are deposits found on the corneal endothelium, often seen in uveitis.
2. **2+ cells in the anterior chamber**: The presence of cells (white blood cells) in the anterior chamber is a hallmark of uveitis.
3. **Intraocular pressure within normal limits**: Uveitis typically does not cause significant elevation of intraocular pressure, unlike glaucoma (option D).

**Why Other Options are Incorrect:**
A. Corneal ulcer (option A) is not the correct answer because the patient does not present with corneal involvement or ulceration.
B. Corneal inflammation (keratitis) might be a part of the overall uveitis process, but it is not the primary diagnosis as the patient exhibits more systemic and intraocular inflammation.

**Clinical Pearl:**
Uveitis can be primary (idiopathic) or secondary to an underlying systemic disease (e.g., tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, sarcoidosis, or Behçet's disease). It is essential for medical students and residents to differentiate between primary and secondary uveitis, as it influences the treatment approach and prognosis.

In conclusion, the correct diagnosis for this patient is uveitis, a type of ocular inflammation affecting the uvea. Uveitis is a crucial diagnosis to make as it may be associated with a systemic disease, and proper management depends on the underlying cause.