Treatment of Uveitis

  The combination of Chinese and Western medicine can shorten the course of the disease and reduce recurrence, especially in patients with long-term clinical use or abuse of hormones, the use of this method is more significant in maintaining the balance of yin and yang of the body.  Uveitis has different clinical manifestations due to different etiologies and lesions. The anterior lesions are characterized by pain, photophobia and tearing, eye redness, blurred vision, ciliary pressure, posterior corneal wall deposits, cloudy atrial fluid, and small pupil deformation. Posterior lesions are characterized by decreased visual acuity with floating black shadows in front of the eyes, vitreous clouding, and fundus pathology. Systemic manifestations may be present if caused by or associated with systemic diseases.  The treatment of uveitis in TCM is based on the identification and treatment of the evidence. A combination of local and systemic diagnosis is used.  Western medicine uses 1% atropine or compound tropicamide to dilate the pupil. Pupil dilatation can prevent the occurrence of post-iris adhesions to reduce glaucoma and release the spasm of the iris sphincter and ciliary muscle to reduce irritation symptoms.  Depending on the location and severity of the inflammation, immunosuppressants such as glucocorticoids, nonsteroidal drugs such as anti-inflammatory pain and antibiotics are used. The anterior lesions can be treated with local hormonal eye drops, while the posterior lesions can be treated with systemic immunosuppressants such as glucocorticoids depending on the condition. In patients with recurrent attacks, oral glucocorticoids and azelaic acid, cyclophosphamide and cyclosporine are appropriate. Immunosuppressive drugs are used for a longer period of time, and the combination of drugs can often reduce the toxic side effects and enhance the efficacy. Liver and kidney function and blood routine should be checked regularly during the treatment process to avoid serious toxic side effects.