A Comprehensive Guide to Uveitis Treatment Options
Uveitis is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye. This layer is known as the Uvea.
This inflammation can cause eye pain and some loss of vision.
Most cases of Uveitis get better when treated using steroid medicine.
However, it is better to diagnose as early as possible.
Uveitis treatment depends on the cause and the portion of the eye affected.
Doctors usually prescribe medications to treat this condition, but surgery may be recommended in severe cases.
Steroid medicine
Steroid medicines can be beneficial in treating Uveitis.
They work by disrupting the normal functions of the immune system.
The immune system stops releasing chemicals that cause inflammation in the eye.
Steroid medicines come in different forms depending on the affected area of the eye.
Various steroid injections, eyedrops, and tablets are available to cure inflammation.
Some of the side effects of steroids may be backache, burning eyes, itchiness, and a change in vision.
Steroid eyedrops
Eyedrops are the first treatment recommended by doctors for any eye condition.
The dosage may vary from using every hour to once every day, depending on the severity of the condition.
You may experience blurred vision after using eye drops. Avoid driving until your vision gets normal.
Some people may also experience increased pressure in the eye.
Consult your eye doctor in case of any side effects. They may prescribe you another treatment.
Continue to use eye drops even if your symptoms disappear. Stopping treatment earlier can lead to returning of your symptoms.
The doctor will reduce the frequency of eye drops over the number of weeks passed.
Steroid Injections
The doctor may prescribe steroid injections if steroid eye drop doesn’t work.
Local anesthesia is used to numb your eye, so you don’t feel any pain.
Opthalamlogist may prescribe only one injection even if your symptoms are at their worst.
Steroid injections rarely cause any side effects. In some cases, they can increase pressure inside the eye.
The eye doctor will check for this and advise you if this happens.
Steroid tablets or capsules
Steroid tablets are the strongest forms of steroid medicines.
The doctor may prescribe you tablets if steroid eyedrops and injections have not worked.
These tablets can cause various side effects. They are only recommended if there are chances of permanent vision loss.
Some short-term side effects of steroid tablets include insomnia, increased weight, mood changes, and increased appetite.
Long-term use of steroid tablets can cause thinning of the skin and increased risk of infection and osteoporosis.
To minimize the side effects, the doctor may prescribe you the lowest dosage possible.
Mydriatic eyedrops
If a patient has Uveitis in the front part of the eye, then the doctor may prescribe mydriatic eyedrops with some steroid medicine.
Mydriatic eyedrops help in enlarging the pupils and relieves pain by relaxing the muscle of your eyes.
However, mydriatic eyedrops can cause temporary blurry vision and problems focusing your eyes as a side effect.
Immunosuppressants
These may be recommended to patients who do not responds to the other treatments.
Immunosuppressants work by controlling the working of the immune system and disrupting the inflammation process.
Doctors may reduce the dosage of steroids and prescribe immunosuppressants in case of any steroid side effects.
Some of the side effects of immunosuppressants are loss of appetite, headache, vomiting, hair loss, and numbness in various body parts.
Taking immunosuppressants makes you more vulnerable to infections and other diseases.
It would be best if you avoid close contact with anyone who has any known infections.
Consult your doctor for any side effects, such as high temperature, cough, or swelling in other body parts.
Surgery
The surgery that may be needed to treat Uveitis is Vitrectomy.
Vitrectomy is a type of eye surgery that treats various conditions with the retina and vitreous.
This surgery involves gently taking out the jelly-like substance that is present inside the eye.
The jelly-like substance is known as Vitreous humor.
The eye surgeon uses local anesthesia so the patient doesn’t feel any pain.
In this surgery, vitreous humor is temporarily replaced with a bubble of air or gas.
Within a few weeks or months, Vitreous humor naturally replaces those gases filled inside the eye.
This surgery involves a risk of needing further surgery and developing Cataracts.
Infection treatment
If Uveitis is because of some underlying infection, it is important to treat it.
Bacterial infection occurs when excessive bacteria enter the body. It causes a reaction in the body, causing infections.
Bacterial infections can be treated using antibiotics such as
| Medicine (Antibiotics) | Approx. Cost |
| Actavis Bimatoprost 300 mcg | $9.83 |
| Azithral Eye Drops 0.1% (3ml) | $15.50 |
| Toba DM 3mg and 1mg (10ml) | $2.42 |
| Locula Eye Drop 20% (10ml) | $15.40 |
People with weak immune systems can get infected by common fungi very quickly.
The doctor may recommend Natamet 0.05 as an anti-fungal medicine.
Symptom relief
The patient can follow these basic steps to get relief from uveitis symptoms:
- Place a warm, soft cloth on your eyes to reduce the swelling
- Taking medicines such as NS-AID 5ml eyedrop may help in pain relief
- You can wear dark glasses, in case your eyes get more sensitive to light
Complications
Uveitis can cause some complications if left untreated, including
- Retinal swelling (macular edema)
- Retinal scarring
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Optic nerve damage
- Retinal detachment
- Permanent vision loss
Conclusion
In conclusion, Uveitis is a complex eye condition that requires proper treatment to prevent vision loss and other complications.
Uveitis treatment includes topical medication as well as oral medications.
In severe cases, the doctor may recommend an eye surgery called Vitrectomy.
It is recommended to get your eye examined by an opthalmologist (eye specialist).
The recovery time for Uveitis depends on the early diagnosis and faster treatment.
Early treatment can prevent further vision loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best treatment for Uveitis?
In most cases, Uveitis can be treated using steroid medicines. A steroid medicine called Prednisolone is often used for treatment. Other treatments include eyedrops and oral medications. In severe conditions, surgery may be recommended.
Can Uveitis be cured?
Uveitis can be treated successfully but can’t be cured. In most cases, treatment does not lead to a permanent cure for the condition. But treatment is necessary to control the inflammation of the eye.
Can Uveitis be cured naturally?
There is no such natural cure available for Uveitis. However, doctors may recommend vitamin C and vitamin E tablets and other treatments. These vitamins may help in improving your vision and reducing swelling.
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