Our Summary

Inflammation in the eye, known as uveitis, is a major cause of vision loss around the world. This condition can occur for many different reasons and can affect different parts of the eye. Sometimes, the inflammation is only in the eye, but it can also be part of a bigger, body-wide inflammation. Traditionally, this condition is treated with a type of medication called corticosteroids, which work well to quickly control the inflammation. However, they can cause severe side effects if used for a long time, so they’re not the best solution for ongoing treatment.

As we learn more about what causes eye inflammation and how it works, new treatments are being developed. One of these involves using medications that modify the body’s immune response. These drugs offer a new way to treat severe eye diseases, without the harmful side effects of corticosteroids. The aim is to provide a personalised treatment plan that can control both the eye and any body-wide inflammation, with the ultimate goal of achieving long-term remission without needing corticosteroids.

This paper reviews how these new treatments are being used in a specialist eye inflammation treatment center.

FAQs

  1. What is the leading cause of vision loss worldwide?
  2. What are the potential side effects of long-term corticosteroid use in the treatment of ocular inflammatory disease?
  3. What are the new therapeutic approaches for treating ocular inflammatory diseases?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about ocular surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include using prescribed eye drops, avoiding rubbing or putting pressure on the eyes, wearing protective eyewear, and attending follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. It is important to communicate any concerns or changes in vision to your doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended ocular surgery include those with severe vision-threatening ocular inflammatory diseases such as uveitis, in which corticosteroids and other traditional treatments have been ineffective in controlling inflammation. Surgery may be recommended in cases where there is significant damage to the eye, such as in cases of severe cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal detachment. Additionally, patients with ocular tumors, congenital eye disorders, or trauma to the eye may also be candidates for ocular surgery. Ultimately, the decision to recommend surgery is based on the individual patient’s specific condition and the potential benefits of surgical intervention for preserving or improving vision.

Timeline

Before ocular surgery, a patient may experience symptoms such as blurred vision, eye pain, redness, sensitivity to light, and floaters. They may undergo a comprehensive eye exam, including imaging tests and blood work, to determine the underlying cause of their ocular condition. The patient may also be prescribed corticosteroid eye drops or oral medications to reduce inflammation and manage their symptoms leading up to surgery.

After ocular surgery, the patient will typically have a follow-up appointment with their surgeon to monitor their recovery and ensure that the surgery was successful. They may be prescribed eye drops or other medications to prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. The patient will need to follow post-operative care instructions, such as avoiding rubbing their eyes, wearing a protective shield at night, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. Over time, the patient should experience improved vision and a reduction in their symptoms as they continue to heal from the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the specific type of ocular surgery that is recommended for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected outcome of the surgery in terms of improving my vision or managing my condition?
  4. What is the recovery process like after the surgery? How long will it take for me to fully recover?
  5. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions or take any medications after the surgery?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with surgery?
  7. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery, and what is your success rate?
  8. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery to protect my eyes?
  9. How long will the effects of the surgery last, and will I need any follow-up appointments or additional treatments in the future?
  10. Are there any specific questions or concerns that I should discuss with other healthcare providers before undergoing the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Foster CS, Kothari S, Anesi SD, Vitale AT, Chu D, Metzinger JL, Cerón O. Journal: Surv Ophthalmol. 2016 Jan-Feb;61(1):1-17. doi: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2015.07.001. Epub 2015 Jul 9. PMID: 26164736