Uveitis Specialist
What is Uveitis? Understanding Eye Inflammation (Covers "uveitis")
Uveitis is inflammation involving the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that includes the iris, ciliary body and choroid. However, the inflammation can sometimes involve other parts of the eye as well. Uveitis may develop suddenly or gradually and can affect one or both eyes.
The causes of uveitis are varied. In some people, it may be related to an infection, an autoimmune or inflammatory condition, or an injury to the eye. In other cases, no definite cause can be identified. Because inflammation can affect delicate structures involved in vision, untreated uveitis may lead to complications such as cataract, glaucoma, macular swelling or permanent damage to the retina.
The symptoms and severity can vary considerably from one person to another. Some patients experience redness and pain, while others mainly notice blurred vision or floaters.
Early assessment by an eye specialist is therefore important. At ARC Eye & Retina Centre, Gurgaon, we evaluate the underlying cause and extent of inflammation before planning appropriate uveitis treatment, with regular monitoring when required.
Types of Uveitis
Uveitis is broadly classified according to the part of the eye where the inflammation is mainly located. Understanding the type of uveitis helps the specialist determine the likely causes, treatment and follow-up required.
Anterior uveitis is the most common form and affects the front part of the eye, particularly the iris and surrounding structures. It can cause eye redness, pain, sensitivity to light and blurred vision.
Intermediate uveitis mainly affects the vitreous and tissues around the middle portion of the eye. Floaters and blurred vision are common symptoms, while redness and pain may be less noticeable.
Posterior uveitis involves the retina or choroid at the back of the eye. It can cause floaters, flashes or reduced vision and may require detailed retinal assessment.
When inflammation involves several areas of the eye, it may be described as panuveitis. This can be more complex and often requires careful investigation and longer-term monitoring.
At ARC Eye & Retina Centre in Gurgaon, our specialists assess the location and severity of inflammation to identify the type of uveitis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Recognizing the Common Symptoms and Causes of Uveitis
Uveitis can present in different ways, and the symptoms may depend on which part of the eye is inflamed. Common symptoms include eye redness, pain, sensitivity to light, blurred vision and floaters. Some patients may notice a gradual decrease in vision without significant pain or redness, particularly when the inflammation affects the back of the eye.
There are many possible causes of uveitis. It can occur because of infections, including certain bacterial, viral or parasitic infections, or may be associated with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Eye injuries and, occasionally, certain medications can also be associated with inflammation. In a significant number of patients, no specific cause is identified despite appropriate evaluation.
Because the underlying cause can influence treatment, uveitis should not simply be treated as routine eye redness. A detailed examination and medical history can provide important clues.
If you develop unexplained redness, pain, light sensitivity, floaters or a change in vision, it is advisable to see an ophthalmologist promptly.
At ARC Eye & Retina Centre, Gurgaon, we look beyond the symptoms to understand the cause and extent of inflammation before starting uveitis treatment.
How Our Specialists Accurately Diagnose Uveitis
Diagnosing uveitis involves more than simply looking for redness in the eye. A careful evaluation helps determine where the inflammation is located, how active it is and whether the retina, macula or other structures of the eye are involved.
The assessment begins with a detailed medical and eye history, followed by a comprehensive eye examination. This includes checking the anterior chamber, vitreous, retina and eye pressure. OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) is particularly useful for detecting macular swelling and subtle changes in the retina that may not be visible during a routine examination.
Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) or other retinal angiography may be recommended when there is inflammation involving the retina or blood vessels. Angiography helps identify areas of retinal inflammation, vascular leakage, blocked blood vessels and reduced blood supply, and can be valuable in assessing the severity of disease and planning treatment.
A systemic workup may also be required, particularly in recurrent, bilateral or unexplained uveitis. Depending on the clinical findings, this may include blood tests and evaluation for infections, autoimmune diseases or other systemic inflammatory conditions. The investigations are tailored to each patient rather than performed routinely.
At ARC Eye & Retina Centre, Gurgaon, our specialists combine clinical examination, advanced retinal imaging, angiography and appropriate systemic evaluation to establish an accurate diagnosis and guide individualized uveitis treatment.
Comprehensive Uveitis Treatment Solutions Available (Covers "uveitis Treatment")
The right uveitis treatment depends on the cause, location and severity of inflammation. The first priority is to control inflammation and protect vision while addressing any underlying condition or infection.
For many types of non-infectious uveitis, corticosteroids form an important part of treatment. Depending on the location and severity, steroids may be given as eye drops, injections around or inside the eye, or as tablets. Patients with persistent or recurrent inflammation may require additional immunomodulatory medicines under appropriate specialist care.
When uveitis is caused by an infection, treatment is directed at the specific infection rather than using steroids alone. This is why identifying the likely cause before starting treatment is particularly important.
Complications such as macular edema, cataract or raised eye pressure may also need separate treatment. OCT and regular retinal examinations help monitor inflammation and its effect on vision.
At ARC Eye & Retina Centre, Gurgaon, treatment is tailored to each patient rather than following a single approach. Our team provides evaluation, medical management, retinal monitoring and appropriate intraocular treatments when required, with regular follow-up to assess response and prevent complications.
Meet Our Lead Uveitis Specialist and Clinical Team (Covers "Uveitis Specialist")
At ARC Eye & Retina Centre, Gurgaon, uveitis is managed by ophthalmologists with specialized experience in retinal and inflammatory eye conditions. Since uveitis can affect different parts of the eye, a detailed understanding of both ocular inflammation and retinal disease is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Suneel Kumar completed his postgraduate training at the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. He has extensive experience in the diagnosis and management of retinal and vitreoretinal disorders, including uveitis and other inflammatory conditions affecting the eye. His approach focuses on identifying the possible underlying cause, assessing the extent of inflammation and tailoring treatment to each patient.
Dr. Kritika Singh completed her postgraduate training at Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, followed by advanced fellowship training in vitreoretinal surgery at Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai. With extensive experience in retinal diseases and vitreoretinal care, she manages patients with uveitis, particularly when inflammation involves the retina or macula.
Together, our team provides detailed evaluation and individualized care for patients requiring specialist uveitis treatment, with appropriate retinal imaging, systemic evaluation and long-term follow-up when needed.
When to Consult a Professional Uveitis Doctor (Covers "uveitis Doctor")
Uveitis can sometimes progress quietly, while in other cases the symptoms appear suddenly. Seeking medical attention early is important because prolonged inflammation can damage structures involved in vision and may lead to complications such as macular edema, cataract, glaucoma or retinal damage.
You should consider seeing a uveitis doctor if you develop unexplained eye redness, persistent eye pain, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, new floaters or a sudden change in your vision. Patients who have previously experienced uveitis should also follow their recommended schedule of retinal and eye examinations, even when their symptoms have settled.
It is particularly important not to self-medicate with steroid eye drops. While steroids can be an important part of uveitis treatment, they may worsen certain infections or cause other complications when used without appropriate diagnosis and monitoring.
At ARC Eye & Retina Centre, Gurgaon, our specialists assess the eye carefully to determine the location and possible cause of inflammation before recommending treatment. Appropriate investigations, imaging and follow-up are arranged according to each patient's needs.
If you are looking for a Uveitis Specialist in Gurgaon or are experiencing unexplained inflammation or changes in vision, an early consultation can help protect your eye health and prevent avoidable complications.
FAQ
Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea—the middle vascular layer of the eye that includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. Unlike conjunctivitis ("pink eye"), which is a superficial surface infection, uveitis occurs inside the eyeball. It is a serious ocular inflammatory disorder that can cause severe deep eye ache, light sensitivity (photophobia), floaters, and sudden or progressive vision loss. It requires immediate evaluation by a specialized uveitis doctor.
Uveitis is classified by the anatomical part of the eye affected:
- Anterior Uveitis (Iritis): Inflammation of the front of the eye (iris/ciliary body). This is the most common form, causing redness, sharp pain, and severe light sensitivity.
- Intermediate Uveitis (Pars Planitis): Affects the vitreous cavity and peripheral retina, typically presenting with blurry vision and floating spots without significant pain.
- Posterior Uveitis (Choroiditis / Retinitis): Involves the back of the eye (retina and choroid), carrying a high risk of sight impairment if untreated.
- Panuveitis: Extensive inflammation involving all layers of the uveal tract (front, middle, and back).
You should see a uveitis specialist if you experience:
- Persistent deep, throbbing eye ache (often worsening in bright light)
- Marked eye redness that does not respond to common lubricating or antibiotic drops
- Severe light sensitivity (photophobia)
- Sudden onset of dense floaters, dark spots, or cobweb-like lines across your vision
- Clouded, hazy, or reduced central visual acuity
- Altered pupil shape or size
Uveitis is broadly classified into two categories:
- Non-Infectious / Autoimmune (Most Common): The body's immune system attacks its own ocular tissues. It is frequently linked to systemic autoimmune diseases such as Ankylosing Spondylitis (HLA-B27 positive), Sarcoidosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus (SLE), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's/Ulcerative Colitis), or Behçet's Disease.
- Infectious Uveitis: Triggered by systemic or localized infections like Tuberculosis (TB), Toxoplasmosis, Herpes Simplex / Zoster, Syphilis, or Cytomegalovirus (CMV).
- Idiopathic: In a notable proportion of patients, no specific systemic cause is identified despite exhaustive testing.
Diagnosing uveitis requires both ophthalmic and systemic medical workups:
- Slit-Lamp Biomicroscopy: To detect inflammatory white blood cells and flare in the anterior chamber.
- Dilated Fundus & Retinal Imaging: High-Definition OCT scans to assess macular edema (swelling) and Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA) / Indocyanine Green Angiography (ICGA) to detect retinal vascular leakage.
- Targeted Blood & Serology Tests: Complete blood counts, HLA-B27 typing, ANA, Rheumatoid factor, ACE levels, and infectious panels (TB IGRA/Mantoux, VDRL, Toxoplasma titers).
- Radiological Imaging: Chest X-rays, HRCT chest, or sacroiliac joint scans to screen for underlying conditions like TB, Sarcoidosis, or spondyloarthritis.
Yes. Chronic or untreated intraocular inflammation is a major cause of preventable visual impairment. Prolonged inflammation can lead to serious secondary complications, including:
- Uveitic Glaucoma: High eye pressure caused by inflammatory debris blocking the drainage angle or posterior synechiae (iris sticking to the lens).
- Complicated Cataracts: Clouding of the eye's natural lens due to persistent inflammation or long-term steroid therapy.
- Cystoid Macular Edema (CME): Swelling in the central retina, reducing sharp reading vision.
- Retinal Detachment or Vitreous Hemorrhage: Secondary to tractional bands or abnormal vessel growth.
Treatment is customized based on whether the inflammation is non-infectious or infectious:
- Corticosteroid Drops & Cycloplegics: Topical steroid drops (e.g., Prednisolone acetate) control front-of-eye inflammation, while dilating drops relieve ciliary spasms and prevent the iris from sticking to the lens.
- Targeted Injections & Sustained-Release Implants: Periocular (sub-Tenon) steroid injections or intravitreal corticosteroid implants (such as Ozurdex) to deliver high-potency, localized anti-inflammatory action to the back of the eye.
- Systemic Immunosuppressive Therapy (IMT): Oral immunomodulators (e.g., Methotrexate, Azathioprine, Mycophenolate Mofetil) used for chronic autoimmune uveitis to control inflammation while reducing long-term dependence on oral steroids.
- Biologic Response Modifiers: Targeted therapies (like Adalimumab) for severe, recalcitrant non-infectious uveitis.
- Targeted Antimicrobial/Antiviral Therapy: Specific anti-tubercular, antiparasitic, or antiviral medications when an infectious trigger is confirmed.
While corticosteroids are effective for suppressing intraocular inflammation, prolonged or unmonitored use can lead to elevated intraocular pressure (steroid-induced glaucoma), accelerated cataract formation, or systemic side effects (weight gain, elevated blood sugar, bone density loss). Uveitis specialists mitigate these risks by closely monitoring eye pressure and transitioning chronic patients to steroid-sparing immunosuppressive agents.
For patients with chronic, recurrent, or bilateral posterior/panuveitis, relying solely on oral steroids carries long-term systemic risks. Steroid-sparing agents (such as Methotrexate or Mycophenolate Mofetil) regulate the overactive immune system, preventing flare-ups while allowing the doctor to taper systemic steroids to safe levels. Periodic blood tests (liver and kidney function tests, complete blood counts) ensure safety throughout therapy.
Yes. Autoimmune uveitis is often a relapsing-remitting disorder. A flare-up can be triggered by systemic stress, lack of sleep, illness, or stopping prescribed drops/medications prematurely. Regular follow-ups, gradual drug tapering under medical supervision, and prompt re-examination at the earliest sign of redness or pain prevent recurrent damage.