DR. MD Maksude Mowla › Services › Uveitis Services
We provide expert diagnosis and treatment of uveitis and ocular inflammation. Our comprehensive approach includes detailed evaluation, laboratory investigations when indicated, medical management, and long-term monitoring to preserve vision and prevent complications.
Our specialists are available 6 days a week for in-person and virtual consultations.
Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea — the middle layer of the eye comprising the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. The uvea contains a rich network of blood vessels that nourish the retina and other critical ocular structures. When inflammation occurs in any part of the uvea, it can cause significant visual disturbance and, if left untreated, may spread to adjacent structures and lead to permanent vision loss.
Unlike many eye conditions that develop gradually, uveitis can flare rapidly — causing pain, redness, and a sudden drop in vision — and must be treated promptly. It may be associated with systemic autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, or triggered by infection, and often requires coordinated care between ophthalmology and other medical specialists.
Despite being less commonly known than conditions like cataract or glaucoma, uveitis is responsible for approximately 10–15% of preventable blindness in developed countries. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to controlling the disease and protecting vision.
Uveitis is classified based on which part of the uveal tract is primarily affected:
Anterior Uveitis (Iritis / Iridocyclitis)
The most common form. Inflammation is confined to the iris and ciliary body at the front of the eye. Typically presents with sudden onset pain, redness, and photophobia. Most cases respond well to prompt treatment with topical steroids and cycloplegic drops.
Intermediate Uveitis
Inflammation involves the vitreous cavity and peripheral retina. Often associated with systemic conditions such as multiple sclerosis, sarcoidosis, or inflammatory bowel disease. The predominant symptoms are floaters and blurred vision rather than pain or redness.
Posterior Uveitis (Choroiditis / Chorioretinitis)
Affects the choroid, retina, and sometimes the optic nerve. The most visually threatening form. Often caused by infection (toxoplasma, herpes, tuberculosis) or systemic autoimmune disease. Requires aggressive treatment.
Panuveitis
Inflammation involving all three layers of the uveal tract simultaneously. The most severe and least common form, requiring sustained multifaceted treatment.
Symptoms vary according to which part of the eye is affected and may appear suddenly or develop gradually:
• Eye redness — particularly the characteristic ciliary flush around the cornea
• Eye pain or deep aching — ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain
• Photophobia — sensitivity to bright or normal levels of light
• Blurred or decreased vision
• Floaters — dark spots, threads, or cobwebs drifting across the visual field
• Periorbital headache
• Excessive tearing
Posterior uveitis may cause few or no external signs (no redness or pain) but can significantly affect vision through inflammation behind the eye.
Please seek urgent assessment if you experience sudden eye pain, new redness, or unexpected vision changes. Uveitis can worsen rapidly and untreated inflammation may cause irreversible damage within days.
A thorough evaluation determines the type, severity, and underlying cause of uveitis. Our diagnostic workup includes:
Slit-Lamp Biomicroscopy
Detailed inspection of the anterior segment — assessing for cells and flare in the anterior chamber, posterior synechiae, and lens changes.
Dilated Fundus Examination
Assessment of the vitreous, retina, choroid, and optic nerve for signs of posterior inflammation.
Intraocular Pressure Measurement
Uveitis can raise or lower intraocular pressure and screening for uveitic glaucoma is part of every assessment.
Advanced Imaging
• OCT — detecting macular oedema and structural changes in the retina
• Fluorescein Angiography (FA) — assessing retinal vasculitis and disc leakage
• B-scan ultrasonography — when the posterior segment cannot be visualised directly
Systemic Investigations
• Blood tests: ANA, ANCA, HLA-B27, ACE, and infectious serology
• Chest imaging when sarcoidosis or tuberculosis is suspected
• Referral to rheumatology, infectious disease, or neurology when indicated by clinical findings.
Treatment is individualised based on the type of uveitis, its underlying cause, and severity. The primary goals are to suppress inflammation, prevent recurrence, treat the underlying condition where identified, and preserve vision.
Medical Treatment
Corticosteroid Eye Drops
First-line treatment for anterior uveitis. Frequent doses are prescribed initially, then tapered as inflammation resolves.
Mydriatic / Cycloplegic Drops
Dilate the pupil and relax the ciliary muscle — preventing painful spasm and protecting against posterior synechiae (adhesions between the iris and lens).
Periocular Steroid Injections
Targeted delivery of steroid around the eye — effective for intermediate and posterior uveitis.
Intravitreal Steroid Implants
Slow-release steroid devices placed inside the vitreous provide sustained anti-inflammatory therapy in chronic or recurrent posterior uveitis.
Systemic Corticosteroids
Oral prednisolone for bilateral or severe cases.
Immunosuppressive Therapy
Methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, or biological agents for chronic, recurrent, or steroid-dependent uveitis.
Surgical Treatment
• Pars plana vitrectomy — for vitreous opacification or structural complications
• Cataract surgery — when uveitic cataract significantly impairs vision, performed when inflammation is well controlled
• Glaucoma surgery — for raised pressure unresponsive to medical therapy.
Uveitis frequently requires long-term management to prevent recurrence and monitor for complications. Our structured follow-up programme includes:
Clinical monitoring:
• Regular slit-lamp assessment of anterior chamber activity
• Periodic OCT imaging to detect and monitor macular oedema
• Intraocular pressure monitoring at every visit
• Assessment for complications: cataract, glaucoma, band keratopathy, and synechiae
• Coordination with rheumatology, infectious disease, or neurology where a systemic cause has been identified
Patient education:
• Recognising early warning signs of a flare: increased pain, redness, blurring, or new floaters
• Understanding how to taper and use eye drops correctly
• Managing medication side effects, particularly long-term steroid use
• When to seek urgent review versus routine follow-up
Flare management:
Patients who have had previous attacks should know that uveitis can recur, sometimes without obvious trigger. If familiar symptoms return — even mildly — please contact us promptly rather than waiting for the next scheduled appointment.
Your vision is our priority. We are committed to partnering with you through every stage of your uveitis care journey.
Common questions about uveitis, ocular inflammation, and treatment
Uveitis can be caused by autoimmune or inflammatory disorders, infections (viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic), eye injury, or certain medications. In many cases no specific cause is found — termed idiopathic uveitis. Common systemic associations include ankylosing spondylitis, sarcoidosis, Behçet disease, and lupus.
Yes — if not diagnosed and treated promptly, uveitis can lead to cataracts, glaucoma, macular oedema, retinal detachment, and in severe cases blindness. With appropriate management most patients preserve good functional vision. Early treatment is therefore critical.
Uveitis itself is not contagious. If uveitis is caused by an infectious agent the underlying infection could theoretically be transmitted, but the ocular inflammation is an internal immune response that cannot spread directly from person to person.
Duration depends on type and severity. Acute anterior uveitis may resolve within weeks. Posterior or panuveitis linked to systemic disease may require months to years of treatment. Long-term monitoring is important even when disease appears controlled, as relapse is possible.
Most patients can continue regular daily activities. Limiting bright light may be necessary if photophobia is present. Regular follow-up is required. If on systemic immunosuppressive therapy, additional precautions regarding infection exposure may be advised by your treating team.
