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Uveitis - Management
Treatment in secondary care
- Non-infectious uveitis
- Corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation and prevent adhesions in the eye. They may be given topically, orally, intravenously, intramuscularly, or by periocular or intraocular injection, depending on how severe the uveitis is [Gupta and Murray, 2006]. Corticosteroids are tapered slowly (over weeks) because withdrawing them too quickly may lead to rebound inflammation [Gupta and Murray, 2006].
- A cycloplegic-mydriatic drug (for example cyclopentolate 1% or atropine 1%) is also given to paralyse the ciliary body. This relieves pain and prevents adhesions between the iris and lens [Khaw et al, 2004].
- Infectious uveitis
- Infectious uveitis (bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic) is treated with an appropriate antimicrobial drug as well as corticosteroids and cycloplegics [Durand, 2005].
- People with severe or chronic uveitis may also be given systemic (non-corticosteroid) immunosuppressive drugs, laser phototherapy, or cryotherapy, or have the vitreous removed surgically (vitrectomy) [Merck, 2008].
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