The primary goal of treating uveitis is to control the inflammation, as it cannot be permanently cured. The treatment approach depends on the underlying cause, as well as the location and severity of the condition. If your uveitis is linked to an autoimmune condition in the body, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, we will work together with specialists such as rheumatologists or gastroenterologists to manage your overall health. If an infection is the cause, the focus will shift to eliminating that infection. Identifying the exact type of infection is crucial because using steroids in the presence of an active infection can worsen the condition.
First line of treatment
Once infections are ruled out or treated, the first line of treatment usually involves steroids to reduce the inflammation. A steroid called prednisolone is used to treat uveitis. Depending on the severity and location of uveitis, the treatment can be in the form of eye drops, tablets or injections around the tissues of the eye or into the eye.
Steroid drops, tablets and injections
Steroid drops
Steroid drops must be used exactly as prescribed, and it’s important not to stop them suddenly. Abruptly discontinuing steroids can lead to a condition known as "rebound inflammation”, where the inflammation returns even more severely. The duration of steroid treatment varies depending on how your body responds, but once the condition is under control, the dose will be slowly reduced over several weeks before being stopped.
Steroid tablets
Steroid tablets are prescribed when the inflammation is moderate to severe and extends beyond the front of the eye and cannot be treated with eye drops alone. It is given when inflammation is in both eyes. It is also given when the inflammation is related to a more systemic condition in the body.
Patients are generally started on a high dose and reduced over a period of time. Long term use of steroids can have side effects and affect your bone density, blood sugar and blood pressure. It is important to take the steroids as prescribed and not to stop the treatment suddenly as this can make you seriously unwell.
Steroid injections
Steroid injections to the eye are effective against certain types of inflammation. Injections can reduce inflammation quickly and improve vision. These injections are typically given every 6 months, depending on your specific condition. They are performed under local anaesthetic for comfort. Injections can help provide a more prolonged anti-inflammatory effect, reducing the need for long-term use of steroid eye drops. Possible complications of injections are cataract formation and increased eye pressure. However, you will be regularly monitored for these effects which can be treated.
In cases where steroid eye drops and local injections are not sufficient, stronger forms of steroids may be required to rapidly control severe inflammation and protect vision. This includes administering a steroid called methylprednisolone by intravenous infusions (administered through a vein). You will be monitored for complications such as blood pressure abnormalities, high blood sugar levels and infection.
Pain management
To help manage pain caused by uveitis, you may be prescribed cyclopentolate eye drops. These drops work by relaxing the iris muscles in your eye that are affected by the inflammation, which helps to ease the discomfort. Your pupil will remain dilated whilst on this treatment.
Long-term medication
For patients whose uveitis is recurrent or cannot be controlled with steroids alone or is autoimmune, long-term immunomodulatory medications may be needed. These include drugs such as mycophenolate mofetil, methotrexate, azathioprine and tacrolimus which work by calming the immune system and preventing it from attacking the tissues in your eye. However, because these medications weaken the immune system, they may increase your risk of infections. When you are taking these medications, you will be monitored by regular clinic appointments and blood tests.
Biologics
In instances wherein uveitis cannot be controlled by conventional immunomodulatory treatment including steroids, drugs called biologics are used. Biologics are more targeted and will be individualised depending on the type of uveitis. You will be closely monitored for risks. The common biologics used are Adalimumab, Infliximab and Rituximab.
Last reviewed: 08 August 2025