Endogenous uveitis: current concepts of treatment

The medical treatment of patients with uveitis often necessitates the use of systemically administered drugs, including corticosteroids, cytotoxic agents, and cyclosporine. Because of the potential side effects of these medications, physicians unfamiliar with inflammatory ocular disease may be asked to participate in the care of these patients. The most important criteria on which to base the decisions of when and how to treat patients with uveitis are the site and severity of the inflammation, the degree of visual acuity, and the potential for restoration of vision with treatment. Slit-lamp examination, indirect ophthalmoscopy, and fluorescein angiography are useful for evaluating the loss of vision in patients with endogenous uveitis. The main goal of treatment is to prevent permanent scarring and deterioration of vision as a result of the disease or the drug side effects. Frequent reassessment will help ensure adequate treatment and will minimize adverse drug effects.