Highlighting the importance of earlier diagnosis and intervention, a team from the University of Bristol have developed new treatment guidance to help tackle uveitis.  

“Uveitis is often detected too late, by which point irreversible damage may already have occurred,” said lead author Dr Panayiotis Maghsoudlou, clinical lecturer in ophthalmology at the Bristol Medical School. “It is vital that people experiencing persistent eye pain, redness, sensitivity to light, new floaters, blurred vision, or sudden changes in sight seek urgent medical attention.” 

Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes and, in many cases, prevent permanent sight loss, said Dr Maghsoudlou, but diagnosing and treating uveitis is challenging due to the varying presentation of multiple subtypes, each with distinct underlying causes and responses to treatment. To tackle this and help GPs diagnose and treat uveitis more effectively, the research team conducted an extensive review of 2,900 published studies on uveitis to identify the most effective diagnosis and course of treatment, he said. 

Historically, treatment for uveitis has relied on corticosteroids, which help control inflammation but carry risks of long-term side effects such as glaucoma and cataracts. However, recent advancements in treatment have introduced new options, including biologic therapies such as adalimumab, which have proven highly effective for patients with severe or recurrent cases. While these treatments mark a significant step forward, ensuring global access remains a challenge, authors noted.  

The peer-reviewed study, ‘Uveitis in adults: a review’, published by JAMA, highlights the importance of a tailored treatment approach, as different types of uveitis require distinct management strategies. While non-infectious uveitis often involves immunosuppressive medications to control inflammation, infectious cases must be treated with targeted antimicrobial therapies. The review also underlines the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to managing uveitis, as it’s frequently linked to underlying systemic diseases. Collaboration between ophthalmologists, rheumatologists and infectious disease specialists is essential to ensuring patients receive comprehensive care, said authors, calling for greater public health efforts to educate people about uveitis.