What are the treatment options for uveitis?

Uveitis is inflammation in the uveal tissues (iris, ciliary body and choroid). There are many different causes for uveitis and the treatment depends on the cause. If it is infection such tuberculosis or herpes simplex virus then the antibiotics for this is the treatment. If the cause is an inflammatory disease such as sarcoid, rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn's then often the treatment is the systemic treatment of the disease. If there is no known cause, or the eye is the only manifestation of the disease, then the eye can be treated alone, usually with topical steroid drops. Injections are becoming more common especially with intense or deep inflammation. Rarely, surgery is necessary to either get a better understanding of the cause of the inflammation or remove the residua of the inflammation. Cataracts, glaucoma or retinal problems can result for the disease and require even more surgery. 

New types of oral and intravenous medications are being used to treat uveitis. These are given to the whole body for sometimes just an eye problem and caution is needed to avoid other side effects.