As the uveal tract consists of different anatomical compartments, the types of uveitis are classified based on the site of inflammation.

Below are pictures showing possible findings in some uveitis patients.

A detailed eye examination by an ophthalmologist will be conducted to determine the presence, type and cause of uveitis. This will include vision assessment and fundus examination. As uveitis is associated with a variety of medical conditions, multiple investigations including blood tests, skin tests or X-rays may be required to assist in the diagnosis. These investigations may take time and incur a certain amount of costs but are very important to arrive at the correct diagnosis and underlying cause in order to plan for the best treatment. 

As uveitis can be associated with the diseases in the rest of the body, your ophthalmologist may want to obtain the expert opinions regarding your overall health from your primary care physician or other medical specialists.

The treatment aims to: 

Steroids are the mainstay medication and may be given as eyedrops or sometimes as tablets, especially in severe cases, to reduce inflammation. Other medications may be prescribed as adjuncts to steroids. Pupil dilating drops which may be used to reduce pain can result in temporary blurring of vision.

Inflammation of the eye can permanently affect sight and even lead to blindness if left untreated.

Uveitis can have these complications:

These complications may occur in chronic, severe eye inflammation.  Specialist care is essential to ensure your eye condition is appropriately managed.

The outcomes vary considerably, depending on the type of uveitis. Technically, uveitis cannot be cured. Instead, treatment suppresses the inflammation until the disease becomes inactive. It is not possible to know how long the disease will last as it can sometimes recur. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

Please contact us via central appointment line: 6908 2222 or email us at: eye_surgery@nuhs.edu.sg

Ocular Inflammation