Best Uveitis Doctors in Mumbai

Uveitis is an inflammatory condition primarily affecting the uvea, the middle layer of eye tissue, potentially leading to vision impairment or blindness if untreated. This condition can be triggered by various factors, including immune system disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis, infections like the herpes simplex virus, toxoplasmosis, and syphilis, or trauma to the eye. In some cases, uveitis may occur without a specific identifiable cause, termed idiopathic uveitis.

Apollo Hospitals have made it their mission to provide the best doctors treating uveitis who are experts in diagnosing and treating this condition effectively. Patients can expect to receive comprehensive care based on the severity of their condition.

Types/Stages of Uveitis

Uveitis can be classified into several types based on the location and severity of inflammation:

• Anterior Uveitis (Iritis): This involves inflammation of the front part of the eye, including the iris and the ciliary body. It is the most common type of uveitis.

• Intermediate Uveitis (Cyclitis): In this type, inflammation occurs in the middle part of the eye, specifically involving the vitreous humour (a gel-like substance in the eye) and sometimes the peripheral retina.

• Posterior Uveitis (Choroiditis): This type of uveitis involves inflammation at the back part of the eye, affecting the choroid (a layer of blood vessels and connective tissue between the retina and sclera) and the retina.

• Panuveitis: This form is characterised by inflammation of the entire uvea, including the anterior, intermediate, and posterior parts of the eye.

Symptoms of Uveitis

Uveitis manifests with several common symptoms:

• Eye pain: This can range from mild discomfort to severe pain.

• Blurred vision: Patients may experience temporary or permanent blurred vision.

• Sensitivity to light (Photophobia): Increased sensitivity to light is another common symptom.

• Redness: This is characterised by a red hue appearing in the affected eye due to inflammation.

• Discharge: In some cases, there may be discharge or excessive tearing from the affected eyes.

Tests to Diagnose Uveitis

Diagnosis of uveitis is primarily done through a series of tests:

• Visual acuity test: This test measures how clearly each eye can see by reading letters from a chart. It helps assess the sharpness and clarity of vision.

• Fundus examination: This procedure involves examining the back of the eye, including the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels.

• Slit-lamp examination: This examination uses a special microscope called a slit lamp to examine the structures at the front of the eye, including the cornea, iris, and lens. It checks for signs of inflammation, such as cells or flares in the anterior chamber.

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT): This imaging test provides detailed information about the thickness and integrity of retinal layers, helping to assess any swelling (oedema) or structural changes.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Uveitis at Apollo Hospitals, Mumbai

Apollo Hospitals in Mumbai provides a range of treatments for uveitis:

• Corticosteroids: These medications are used to reduce inflammation and swelling, administered either locally (eye drops, injections around the eye) or systemically (oral or intravenous).

• Immunomodulatory therapy: This approach involves medications that modulate or suppress the immune system to control inflammation.

• Biologic agents: These are advanced medications that target specific proteins involved in the inflammatory process, prescribed for severe, refractory cases of uveitis.

• Surgical interventions: In severe cases, procedures such as vitrectomy (for managing vitreous opacities or retinal detachment) or cataract removal may be necessary. The best doctors specialising in uveitis treatment at Apollo Hospitals in Mumbai are experienced in performing these surgical options.