UveitisGold Coast & Tweed Heads
Inflammation inside the eye, which can cause a red, painful, light-sensitive eye or new floaters and blur.
- Prompt assessment
- Drops, injections or tablets
- Shared care with your GP
Symptoms can be urgent. New floaters, flashes, a shadow or sudden vision loss need same-day assessment. Call (07) 5612 5200, or after hours go to the emergency department at Gold Coast University Hospital.
The key facts
What you may notice
- A red, aching eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision or new floaters
How it is diagnosed
- Slit-lamp examination
- OCT scan for macular swelling
- Blood tests or scans arranged with your GP
How it is treated
- Steroid eye drops for inflammation at the front
- Injections or implants for deeper inflammation
- Tablets or other medicines with your physician when needed
Recovery
- Drops are reduced slowly over weeks
- Regular checks for pressure and swelling
- A plan for any future flare
Inside the eye
Redness around the cornea and inflammatory deposits are typical of anterior uveitis.
Simplified diagrams for patient education, not to scale.
Everything you need to know
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Overview
Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that includes the iris, ciliary body and choroid. It is described by where it occurs: anterior (front), intermediate, posterior (back) or throughout the eye (panuveitis).
Causes
Often no cause is found. It can be linked to conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis, inflammatory bowel disease, sarcoidosis and some infections. Tests are arranged with your GP or physician when needed.
Treatment
- Steroid and dilating drops for anterior uveitis
- Steroid injections or long-acting implants for inflammation at the back of the eye or macular oedema
- Tablets or other immune-modulating medicines, coordinated with a physician, for severe or recurrent disease
Complications
Possible complications include raised eye pressure, cataract and macular oedema. Regular follow-up helps detect and treat these early.
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Talk to Dr Weaver about your eyes
A referral from your GP or optometrist is needed to claim Medicare rebates. Our team can help with bookings at Robina and Tweed Heads.