TREATMENT
There are multiple treatments available to treat eye inflammation. The most important step, when choosing the most appropriate, is to classify uveitis as: infectious or non-infectious. Infectious uveitis is treated with anti-infective medications intended to fight the organism causing the infection. In contrast, treatment for non-infectious uveitis is implemented in a "stepladder approach". Initially, corticosteroids are prescribed; but in cases where the inflammation cannot be kept under control and/or requires prolonged treatment, other alternatives are considered, such as immunomodulators or surgeries.
ANTI-INFECTIOUS AGENTS
Infectious uveitis is treated with anti-infective drugs: antibiotics, antivirals, anti-fungals or anti-parasitic. These type of medications fight infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, respectively. They are mostly prescribed in the form of pills or drops. In appropriate cases, this treatment could also include corticosteroids.
CORTICOSTEROIDS
Corticosteroids are used to treat non-infectious uveitis. These can be given as drops, pills, or injections around or into the eye; depending on the location of the inflammation. They are usually very effective in controlling inflammation immediately, but are not considered an adequate long-term treatment due to their side effects.
IMMUNOMODULATORS
Immunomodulatory agents are used to treat non-infectious uveitis that has not responded to corticosteroid therapy and/or requires long-term corticosteroid therapy. These drugs target specific elements of the immune system. The most commonly prescribed immunomodulators are: antimetabolites, t-cell inhibitors, alkylating agents and biological agents. These are available as pills, sub-cutaneous injections, or intravenous infusions.
SURGERIES
There are surgical alternatives to treat uveitis, such as vitrectomy or placement of an implant in the eye that continuously releases corticosteroid medication.
OTHER
Other medications that could be prescribed along with the main treatment against uveitis are: antiglaucoma drops, mydriatics or cycloplegics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).