How do I know if I have uveitis?
Generally, it is difficult to diagnose uveitis based on your symptoms alone. Symptoms may range from a red, painful eye to experiencing floaters in your vision. A detailed examination by an eye specialist is the best way to determine if you are suffering from uveitis.
What are the causes of uveitis?
Broadly speaking, uveitis may be an isolated condition just affecting the eye or it may be part of a more generalised disease which also affects other parts of the body.
During the consultation with your eye specialist, a discussion will be held on the necessary investigations that will need to be performed to determine the cause of your uveitis.
My doctor started me on steroid eye drops. Are there any side effects I should be worried about?
Steroid eye drops are the mainstay of treatment in many patients with uveitis. While they may have some potential side effects, the benefits of treatment outweigh the risk of treatment. Left untreated, uveitis may cause permanent visual loss.
If you are on steroid eye drops, you will need to return to your doctor for regular appointments to check to see if you are developing any of the side effects from the eye drops. This may include developing an early cataract or getting elevated eye pressure. Your doctor will monitor you closely for the development of such issues and advise you accordingly if any issues arise during the course of the treatment.
My doctor says there is no cure for uveitis. Is that true?
Some patients develop recurring episodes of uveitis despite medications prescribed by their eye specialist. Unfortunately, in these patients, there may not be a way to permanently prevent the uveitis attacks from occurring but medication can be given to try to reduce the frequency of attacks.
Uveitis may be an immensely frustrating disease to cope with as a permanent ‘cure’ may not be possible. However, in most cases, with proper treatment and follow up, the disease does not cause permanent visual loss. If you feel a flare of your uveitis starting to happen, it is important that you get an eye checkup as soon as possible so that treatment may be started earlier. Delaying treatment may result in a longer course of treatment required.
How can I arrange to see a uveitis specialist in NUH?