Treatment Options For Uveitis

Anti-Inflammatory Medication

You will need to try and rid the affected eye of inflammation to treat uveitis effectively. The most common way to treat an inflamed eye is the use of anti-inflammatory medication, which come in various forms. Upon visiting a physician, you will likely be prescribed a corticosteroid, which are steroids used to block and relieve inflammation within the body. Typically, you will be given this steroid in an eye drop form as they are the safest and least invasive method. However, eyedrops are usually only effective for uveitis cases on the superficial layer of the eye. For inflammation occurring towards the middle or back of the eye, you will likely be administered a shot instead. While the shot is only a one time deal and it holds a high success rate, it is often dreaded because it issued directly into the eye. As a last resort for healing via anti-inflammatory treatment, you may be advised to take the steroid orally. The pills are made with a much stronger formula and can cause other health issues if they are taken for a prolonged period.

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Antibiotics And Antivirals

Uveitis is often caused by an infection, fungus, or bacteria. In situations like these, killing off the harmful pathogen will clear any inflammation and return the condition of the eye to its normal state. You would achieve this through the use of medications such as antibiotics and antivirals. Antibiotics are used if the presence of bacteria is the identified culprit, antifungals are designed to combat fungi, and antivirals will rid your body of any viruses. Once the infection clears, so will the uveitis, and no further treatment is required. Unless a physician immediately identifies the cause, one of these medications might be prescribed only after anti-inflammatory medications have failed.

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Implanted Device In The Eye

If one suffers from posterior uveitis, the rarest form of this condition, they may have to undergo a surgical procedure that requires an implanted device in the eye. It is the most difficult to cure, but if not treated properly it can result in permanent damage to the retina and optic nerve or even cause blindness. During this procedure, the physician will implant a small device within the eye that will remain there anywhere between two to three years. Within this timespan, the device will release corticosteroid medication into the eye slowly and steadily to avoid further complications. However, as a result of the surgery, a patient is at risk of contracting cataracts or glaucoma.