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Ophthalmology Aug 5, 2022

Keeping Ocular Inflammation in Check

Ophthalmologist from the Mitchel and Shannon Wong Eye Institute describes the causes, symptoms, and treatment of uveitis

Reviewed by: Eric L. Crowell, MD, MPH
Written by: Lauren Schneider

A young woman sits at her desk and is rubbing her eye with her left hand while holding her glasses in the other.

Pain and redness in the eye may be the sign of autoimmune activity in the eye that requires medical attention, according to Eric L. Crowell, MD, an ophthalmologist in UT Health Austin’s Mitchel and Shannon Wong Eye Institute.

Circumventing Immune Privilege

“Under normal conditions, eyes are afforded immune privilege much like the central nervous system and gonads (testes and ovaries), meaning the immune system does not have access to those three organ systems,” explains Dr. Crowell. “In uveitis, the immune system recognizes the eye as foreign and starts attacking the eye like it would any other bacteria or virus.”

Events that can trigger immune recognition of the eye include bacterial infection or certain autoimmune conditions.

The following autoimmune conditions may result in this ocular inflammation:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Psoriatic arthritis
  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Other autoimmune and gastrointestinal disorders

Recognizing the Varied Symptoms of Uveitis

Symptoms of uveitis vary based on which part of the eye is subject to immune attack.

The following symptoms are associated with uveitis in the front of the eye:

  • Eye redness
  • Pain
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Functional decrease in vision caused by the inability to open the eye

Uveitis in the middle or back of the eye may be linked to the following symptoms:

  • Decreased vision
  • “Floaters” in the field of view

Treating Acute and Chronic Uveitis

The course of treatment for uveitis depends on whether the condition is acute (an episode shorter than three months) or chronic.

“If uveitis is acute, a lot of times we can calm it all down with steroid, and then we want to hopefully keep it from coming back. It would remain an acute episode as long as the inflammation is quieted within three months and stays quiet for three months,” says Dr. Crowell. “If it’s chronic, or if the inflammation returns, that’s when we move towards immunosuppressive agents other than steroids.”

“To prevent this chronic uveitis,” continues Dr. Crowell, “an aggressive approach is recommended during the condition’s acute phase to calm down that inflammation before it can really cause damage to ocular structures.”

Advancing the Field of Uveitis Treatment

Unfortunately, the traditional steroid-based treatment options for acute uveitis are laden with side effects which may include weight gain, mood changes, and even long-term symptoms like osteoporosis.

“One of the most important things that we can keep doing is discovering other ways of calming down inflammation that don’t involve steroids,” says Dr. Crowell. He is currently involved in clinical trials to explore these alternatives and anticipates that the future of uveitis medicine will involve the broader identification and adoption of non-steroid treatments, citing similar shifts underway in fields like rheumatology. “We want to move towards these steroid-sparing immunosuppressants as quickly as possible to save patients from those side effects.”

“Improving treatment for acute uveitis is crucial for long-term patient outcomes, because if you can prevent the condition from becoming chronic, the outcomes are a whole lot better,” adds Dr. Crowell. “Most of the time, patients can do quite well. It just involves the right treatment.”

To learn more about the Mitchel and Shannon Wong Eye Institute or to schedule an appointment, click here or call 1-833-UT-CARES (1-833-882-2737).

About UT Health Austin

UT Health Austin is the clinical practice of the Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin. We collaborate with our colleagues at the Dell Medical School and The University of Texas at Austin to utilize the latest research, diagnostic, and treatment techniques, allowing us to provide patients with an unparalleled quality of care. Our experienced healthcare professionals deliver personalized, whole-person care of uncompromising quality and treat each patient as an individual with unique circumstances, priorities, and beliefs. Working directly with you, your care team creates an individualized care plan to help you reach the goals that matter most to you — in the care room and beyond. For more information, call us at 1-833-UT-CARES or request an appointment here.