Early uveitis detection and intervention is key to vision preservation, systemic health

The inflammatory ocular disease typically impacts patients between 20 and 50 years old. Image credit: ©Maria Vitkovska – stock.adobe.com

Researchers from the University of Bristol in England have published a new study in JAMA, focusing on uveitis detection and treatment. According to a press release from the university, ophthalmologists from the Bristol Medical School have developed guidelines to provide better treatment to patients with the inflammatory eye disease.¹

Investigators conducted a review of 2,900 published studies on uveitis. The review emphasises the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to managing uveitis and its connection to systemic disease.² For noninfectious anterior uveitis, the authors recommended using corticosteroid drops as a firstline treatment. In cases of noninfectious posterior uveitis, they suggested disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs as firstline therapy, followed by biologics as secondary treatment for patients with inflammation refractory to treatment.

The authors shared different guidance for uveitis caused by systemic infection. In these cases, they noted, the condition should be treated with antimicrobials, supplemented by local or systemic steroids as necessary.² The authors also advocated for collaboration between ophthalmologists, rheumatologists and infectious disease specialists to deliver comprehensive care for long-term outcomes. Finally, the authors urged policymakers and health educators to expand informational public health campaigns to make the impact of uveitis more widely-known.

Panayiotis Maghsoudlou BSc, MBBS, PhD, served as lead author on the study. He is NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer in Ophthalmology in the Bristol Medical School translational health sciences department. “Uveitis is often detected too late, by which point irreversible damage may already have occurred,” he explained.¹ Uveitis causes inflammation inside the eye and is responsible for up to 10% of vision loss worldwide. “It is vital that people experiencing persistent eye pain, redness, sensitivity to light, new floaters, blurred vision, or sudden changes in sight seek urgent medical attention. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes and, in many cases, prevent permanent sight loss.”

The common inflammatory condition typically impacts patients between 20 and 50 years old. However, it is under recognised and often overlooked, which can lead to progression of the disease and preventable vision loss. “Diagnosing and treating uveitis is challenging due to the varying presentation of multiple subtypes, each with distinct underlying causes and responses to treatment. This variability complicates both early recognition and the selection of appropriate treatment strategies, as different forms of the disease require tailored approaches,” Dr Maghsoudlou said.

Andrew Dick, Andrew Dick, BSc, MBBS, MD, MRCP, FRCS, FRCP, FRCOphth, is a professor of ophthalmology at Bristol Medical School and senior author of the study. Prof Dick also commented on the research. “Despite being a leading cause of preventable blindness, uveitis remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. Our study has identified the most effective treatments depending on the type and cause of the inflammation,” he said. “By tailoring treatment approaches, we can significantly decrease the likelihood of vision loss, which is the most serious potential outcome of untreated eye inflammation.”

References

1. Early detection key to improving treatment of uveitis, a leading cause globally of vision loss. Press release. University of Bristol Media Team. Published May 27, 2025. Accessed May 28, 2025. https://apigateway.agilitypr.com/distributions/history/8959c908-5cc1-4f86-a2da-898dc14a26c4?recipientId=20eb9655-47ee-4f98-88dd-3479fcb563f8

2. Maghsoudlou P, Epps SJ, Guly CM, Dick AD. Uveitis in Adults: A Review. JAMA. Published online May 28, 2025. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.4358