Uveitis

If you have Uveitis, you may experience symptoms like

• Sensitivity to light (Photophobia)
• Blurred vision
• Eye pain
• Eye redness
• Floaters (shapes that move across your field of vision)

Symptoms maybe sudden or gradual in onset and can affect one or both eyes. All age groups are vulnerable to getting uveitis. Without proper treatment, it can lead to complications like glaucoma, cataracts, retinal scarring, retinal detachment and vision loss.

Uveitis is not contagious. Some of the uveitis could also be a part of a disease which affects our body. Thus we may need  to consult  other speciality doctors like rheumatologists also if needed.

The goal of treatment is to:

• Relieve pain
• Stop vision loss
• Treat the infection or disease that caused Uveitis

For infective conditions like Tuberculosis (TB) or Leprosy, we treat with the appropriate antibacterial regimen and low dose of corticosteroids. For autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, we treat them with high doses of corticosteroids (in the form of eye drops/ tablets/injections) and immunosuppressive agents in severe cases.

Remember: the earlier the treatment, the more likely it is that your sight can be saved!

What is the problem in my eye?

You have inflammation in your eyes, which could be due to an allergy or an infection.

What is the reason for the allergies or infection in my eye?

There are a few possible reasons. 1) You may have had a traumatic eye injury. 2) You may have a bacterial infection in your eye/body. 3) Some patients may have inflammation without a known cause.

If I have Tuberculosis (TB) in my body, will it affect my eyes?

If you have Tuberculosis in your body, it can affect your eyes. To find out if you have Tuberculosis in your body, you will need to see a doctor for a few simple tests which include blood examination, Mantoux test, X-ray, or CT scan of the chest.

What is the use of X-rays, CT scans, and blood tests?

These investigations can help us to identify any infection/ inflammatory condition in our body that could have caused the inflammation in  the eye.

If I take the tablets for Tuberculosis (TB), can the infection come back?

You may need to take the TB treatment for 6-9 months. If you take the tablet regularly, usually you will not have a recurrence of the infection

Can I take immunosuppressives and TB tablets when I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Immunosuppressives are contraindicated in pregnancy but TB medications can be taken during pregnancy

When I am on immunosuppressive medications, can I plan for a baby?

No. While on immunosuppressives, you should not plan for a baby.

How do I prevent Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is an infection that spreads through skin contact with rat and cattle excretion. You should avoid walking barefoot in rain water stagnant areas or in fields

It can also spread by eating raw food that has not been properly washed. This includes fruits and vegetables . You should always make sure your food is washed with clean water.

Will I need surgery to treat Uveitis?

Usually, Uveitis is treated with eye drops, injections and tablets. In very severe cases or in cases where tablets do not work, doctor may advice surgery.

Could the treatment completely cure my condition?

This depends on how early we present to the doctor after the onset of uveitis and also depends upon the cause of uveitis. Certain conditions could be vision threatening in spite of maximum treatment

If I use eye drops, will it cure my eyes? Should I use eye drops regularly?

For some patients, regular eye drops will be enough to cure Uveitis. Other patients may need tablets or injections along with the eye drops. If you take the treatment correctly, uveitis can be controlled.

After using the eye drops, I am not able to read.  Why?

This is because the drugs dilate your pupils. Do not worry – the effect is temporary and will go away after a little while.

What are the side effects of the steroids?

There are some side effects, but they don’t always occur. Some of the side effects include abdominal pain(gastritis), high blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, pimples, and weight gain.

Do I need to follow a special diet when I am taking the steroid tablets?

Once you are started on steroid tablets, you may need to cut back on the amount of salt and sugar in your diet.

My blood sugar has increased after taking the steroid tablets. Should I stop the treatment?

No. The eye doctor will usually reduce the dose of oral steroids or the physician might increase the dose of diabetic medications. You will need to check and control your blood sugar levels regularly.

I have pimples on my face after taking the steroid tablets. What can I do?

These are harmless and will resolve when your doctor lowers the dose or stops treatment. You will not need any extra treatment for the pimples. If you have any concerns, please inform your doctor. Do NOT lower the dose on your own, or the uveitis may worsen.

After using steroids, I have blurred vision.  Why?

Long-term use of steroids can cause the development of cataracts and glaucoma. To prevent these conditions, you must follow up with your eye doctor regularly. Inform your doctor if you notice any changes in your vision.

Can I continue my systemic medications if I am on a Uveitis treatment?

Systemic medications are any tablets that you take to treat other conditions in your body (for example, diabetes ) and should be continued. It is always better to inform your treating ophthalmologist about your systemic medications.