Can it affect both eyes?

Yes. It often affects both eyes, though one eye may start first or look worse.

Why can hair or skin turn white?

The immune attack involves pigment cells. That can lead to white hair, white lashes, or pale skin patches.

Many people improve with prompt treatment. Recurrence and delayed care raise the risk of lasting damage [3] .

Who treats this disease?

A uveitis specialist or retina specialist often leads care. Primary care may help monitor medicine side effects.

Condition

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease

Also known as VKH Disease, Vogt Koyanagi Harada Syndrome, Harada Disease, Autoimmune Uveitis, Uveomeningitic Syndrome

Updated May 19, 2026·For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for medical advice. See our terms.

Bottom Line

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease is an immune attack on pigment cells in the eyes and body. It can threaten vision and needs prompt uveitis care.

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease is an autoimmune disease. The immune system attacks pigment cells, especially in the eye, skin, hair, inner ear, and nervous system ¹.

Early symptoms may include headache, neck stiffness, hearing changes, eye pain, light sensitivity, and blurry vision in one or both eyes. The eye inflammation can cause fluid under the retina ².

Treatment usually uses steroid medicine and often longer-term immune-calming medicine. Fast treatment lowers the chance of repeated inflammation and vision loss ³.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on eye inflammation, retina imaging, symptoms outside the eye, and ruling out other causes. Doctors also ask about eye trauma or surgery because that can point to a different condition.

Tests may include a dilated exam, retina scans, dye photos, hearing review, and blood tests. Early treatment is important because repeated inflammation can damage vision ¹.

Treatment

Treatment usually starts with strong steroid medicine to calm inflammation. Many patients also need immune-calming medicine to reduce flares and lower steroid side effects.

Follow-up is close at first. The doctor watches retina fluid, eye pressure, cataract, and signs of relapse ³.

Living With It

Keep all visits while medicine is being tapered. Do not stop steroid or immune medicine suddenly unless your doctor tells you to.

Call promptly for new blur, eye pain, light sensitivity, headache, hearing change, or new floaters.

Common Questions About Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease

No. It is an immune system disease. You cannot catch it from another person.

Next Steps

1Get same-day urgent eye care for sudden blur, severe eye pain, or strong light sensitivity.
2Tell the doctor about headache, neck stiffness, hearing change, white hair, or pale skin patches.
3Ask whether you need a uveitis specialist if inflammation is in both eyes.
4Keep follow-up visits while steroid or immune medicine is tapered.

Find specialists for Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease

Board-certified ophthalmologists who treat Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease.

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