Anterior Chamber Paracentesis in Uveitis

Uveitis is inflammation of the uveal tract—the iris, ciliary body, and choroid—of the eye. When this inflammation becomes severe or causes complications such as high intraocular pressure, infection, or diagnostic uncertainty, an ophthalmologist may perform an anterior chamber paracentesis. This procedure involves carefully withdrawing a small amount of aqueous humor (the clear fluid in the front part of the eye) for analysis or pressure relief. In uveitis care, anterior chamber paracentesis plays two main roles: helping to identify infectious or inflammatory agents and reducing pain or pressure when conventional treatments are insufficient. This article offers an evidence-based, plain-English exploration of anterior chamber paracentesis in uveitis, including its definition, types, underlying causes of uveitis, common symptoms, and a thorough review of diagnostic tests.

Anterior chamber paracentesis is a minor surgical procedure in which a small amount of fluid (aqueous humour) is gently withdrawn from the front part of the eye (the anterior chamber) using a fine needle under local anaesthesia. In uveitis, this is most often done to help diagnose infectious causes—by analysing the fluid for bacteria, viruses, or inflammatory markers—and to temporarily relieve very high intraocular pressure that may accompany severe inflammation PMCWikipedia. The procedure typically involves instilling anaesthetic drops (e.g., proparacaine), then passing a 30-gauge needle through the clear cornea near the limbus to aspirate 0.1–0.2 mL of fluid. The small entry site usually self-seals, though antibiotic drops are applied afterward to minimise infection risk aaojournal.org.

Anterior chamber paracentesis is a minimally invasive procedure in which a sterile fine-gauge needle is introduced through the peripheral clear cornea into the anterior chamber to withdraw a small volume (generally 0.1–0.2 mL) of aqueous humor. Under a surgical microscope and after topical anesthesia, the eyelids are held open with a speculum, the ocular surface is disinfected, and the needle is carefully advanced. The sample is then sent for microbiological, cytological, or biochemical analysis to identify pathogens (such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi) or inflammatory markers. Therapeutically, removing fluid can promptly reduce intraocular pressure, alleviate pain, and prevent damage to ocular structures when pressure is dangerously elevated. Evidence shows that diagnostic paracentesis can improve pathogen detection rates in infectious uveitis, guiding targeted therapy and improving visual outcomes.

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Types of Anterior Chamber Paracentesis

1. Diagnostic Paracentesis: Focused on obtaining aqueous humor to identify causative organisms or inflammatory markers. Samples may undergo polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for viral DNA (e.g., herpes simplex virus), gram staining and culture for bacteria, or cytology for malignant cells. Diagnostic paracentesis is indicated when standard blood tests and clinical examination fail to determine the exact cause of uveitis, particularly in atypical or treatment-resistant cases.

2. Therapeutic Paracentesis: Performed to lower dangerously high intraocular pressure when topical or systemic medications are insufficient or contraindicated. By removing aqueous fluid, intraocular pressure can drop immediately, relieving pain and reducing the risk of optic nerve damage. This approach is especially valuable in acute hypertensive uveitis or when inflammation causes rapid fluid buildup.

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Types of Uveitis

Although paracentesis targets the anterior chamber, it can be used in various forms of uveitis:

• Anterior Uveitis: Involves primarily the iris (iritis) or iris plus ciliary body (iridocyclitis). This is the most common form and often presents with pain, redness, and photophobia.

• Intermediate Uveitis: Affects the vitreous and peripheral retina. Symptoms include floaters and blurred vision rather than pain or redness.

• Posterior Uveitis: Involves retina and choroid. Presents with vision loss and little pain or redness.

• Panuveitis: Inflammation of all uveal structures. Symptoms can overlap and be severe, requiring multimodal treatment.

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Causes of Uveitis

1. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
   HSV can infect ocular tissues, triggering anterior uveitis. Patients often have a history of cold sores or ocular herpes. Aqueous humor PCR can detect HSV DNA, guiding antiviral therapy.

2. Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV)
   Reactivation of VZV in the trigeminal ganglion can lead to shingles affecting the eye. Patients may have a vesicular rash along the forehead and eye pain.

3. Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
   CMV uveitis often affects immunocompromised individuals. It may present with low-grade inflammation and elevated intraocular pressure.

4. Toxoplasma gondii
   A protozoal infection that can cause focal retinochoroiditis. Patients may report floaters and scotomas (blind spots).

5. Tuberculosis
   Mycobacterium tuberculosis can involve the eye, often in endemic regions. Granulomatous uveitis with mutton-fat keratic precipitates is typical.

6. Sarcoidosis
   A systemic granulomatous disease that can manifest in the eye. Chest imaging and serum angiotensin-converting enzyme levels aid diagnosis.

7. Behçet’s Disease
   A vasculitis characterized by recurrent oral/genital ulcers and eye inflammation. Uveitis is often bilateral and can threaten vision.

8. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
   Children with JIA may develop chronic anterior uveitis, often asymptomatic until complications develop.

9. Sympathetic Ophthalmia
   A bilateral granulomatous uveitis following penetrating injury to one eye. Autoimmune response against ocular antigens drives inflammation.

10. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
    MS patients can develop intermediate uveitis (pars planitis). Floaters and blurred vision are common complaints.

11. HLA-B27 Associated Uveitis
    Strongly linked to spondyloarthropathies (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis). Presents with acute, unilateral anterior uveitis and recurrent episodes.

12. Lyme Disease
    Borrelia burgdorferi infection can cause ocular inflammation. Serologic testing confirms exposure.

13. Fungal Infections
    Candida and Aspergillus species can lead to endophthalmitis or chronic uveitis, especially in immunocompromised hosts.

14. Leptospirosis
    A zoonotic infection that can trigger uveitis weeks after systemic illness. History of freshwater exposure is common.

15. Idiopathic
    In many cases, no specific cause is found despite thorough workup. These cases are labeled idiopathic and treated empirically.

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Symptoms of Uveitis

1. Eye Redness
   Inflamed blood vessels in the conjunctiva make the eye appear pink or red. Redness is often most pronounced around the corneal edge (ciliary flush).

2. Eye Pain
   Patients describe aching or sharp pain, especially with movement or bright light. Pain results from inflammation of iris or ciliary body.

3. Photophobia (Light Sensitivity)
   Inflammation irritates intraocular structures, causing discomfort in bright environments.

4. Floaters
   Patients see small spots or strands drifting across vision when inflammatory cells enter the vitreous.

5. Blurred Vision
   Inflammatory debris and swelling of the iris, ciliary body, or retina reduce visual clarity.

6. Tearing
   Irritation from inflammation can stimulate tear production, causing watery eyes.

7. Decreased Vision
   Severe or chronic inflammation can damage ocular tissues, leading to lasting vision loss.

8. Headache
   Referred pain from ciliary body inflammation can manifest as a periocular or frontal headache.

9. Photopsia (Flashes of Light)
   Inflamed vitreous tugging on the retina can produce brief flashes of light.

10. Iris Nodules
    Granulomatous uveitis can form small lumps on the iris surface, visible under slit-lamp examination.

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Diagnostic Tests for Uveitis

To confirm uveitis and its cause, ophthalmologists use a combination of clinical assessments and laboratory tests:

Physical Examination Tests

1. Visual Acuity Test
   Measures how well a patient can see letters or symbols at a standardized distance, assessing the impact of uveitis on clarity of vision.

2. Slit-Lamp Biomicroscopy
   Provides a magnified, high-resolution view of the anterior segment. Allows detection of cells, flare, keratic precipitates, and iris abnormalities.

3. Intraocular Pressure Measurement
   Tonometry gauges fluid pressure within the eye. Elevated pressure may signal inflammatory glaucoma, while low pressure can indicate cyclitic membrane formation.

4. Pupillary Examination
   Assessment of pupil size, shape, and reactivity can reveal synechiae (adhesions) between iris and lens, common in anterior uveitis.

5. External Eye Examination
   Inspection of eyelids, conjunctiva, and cornea identifies associated signs such as conjunctival injection or corneal edema.

Manual Tests

6. SUN Grading of Anterior Chamber Cells
   Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature (SUN) criteria quantify cells seen in the anterior chamber under a 1 × 1 mm beam, guiding inflammation monitoring.

7. SUN Grading of Anterior Chamber Flare
   Flare intensity—light scatter from protein in the aqueous—is graded on a scale (0 to 4+), indicating blood–aqueous barrier breakdown.

8. Seidel Test
   Applies fluorescein dye to detect leaking aqueous humor through corneal perforations or micro-wounds, important if uveitis coexists with corneal thinning.

Laboratory and Pathological Tests

9. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
   Evaluates for systemic infection or inflammation. Elevated white blood cells may suggest infectious or systemic inflammatory disease.

10. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
    An increased ESR indicates systemic inflammation and helps gauge disease activity in conditions like sarcoidosis or rheumatoid arthritis.

11. C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
    A more sensitive marker of systemic inflammation; elevated levels support active disease in conditions such as Behçet’s or MS.

12. HLA-B27 Typing
    Genetic test for the HLA-B27 allele, associated with spondyloarthropathies and acute anterior uveitis.

13. Aqueous Humor PCR
    Polymerase chain reaction analysis of paracentesis fluid to detect viral DNA (HSV, VZV, CMV) or toxoplasma, providing rapid pathogen identification.

14. Culture and Gram Stain
    Microbial culture of aqueous samples or Gram staining to identify bacterial pathogens in suspected infectious uveitis.

15. Cytology of Aqueous Humor
    Microscopic examination of cells in the fluid, essential when suspecting masquerade syndromes like intraocular lymphoma.

16. Serum Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE)
    Elevated in sarcoidosis; aids in diagnosis when combined with chest imaging.

Electrodiagnostic Tests

17. Electroretinography (ERG)
    Measures electrical responses of retinal cells to light stimuli. Useful if posterior uveitis threatens retinal function.

18. Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP)
    Assesses the integrity of the visual pathway from retina to cortex. May reveal optic nerve involvement in uveitic processes.

Imaging Tests

19. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
    Non-invasive cross-sectional imaging of retina and choroid. Detects macular edema, a common complication of uveitis.

20. Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA)
    Captures dye transit through retinal vessels, highlighting retinal vasculitis, leakage, and ischemia typical in posterior uveitis.

Non-Pharmacological Treatments

Exercise Therapies

1. Aerobic Exercise
   Regular brisk walking or cycling for at least 30 minutes most days of the week can lower systemic inflammation by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (like IL-6 and TNF-α) and increasing anti-inflammatory mediators, potentially easing uveitis flares PMCPMC.

2. Yoga
   Incorporating gentle yoga poses and breathing exercises helps improve blood flow to ocular tissues, enhances antioxidant defences, and regulates immune responses through vagal stimulation PMCWikipedia.

3. Tai Chi
   This low-impact martial art improves microvascular circulation in the eye, reduces stress hormones, and balances immune function, which may decrease uveal inflammation PMC.

4. Aquatic Exercise
   Water-based workouts relieve joint stress and support the body, enabling consistent moderate exercise that diminishes systemic inflammatory markers, indirectly benefiting ocular inflammation PMC.

5. Resistance Training
   Light weight lifting two to three times weekly can upregulate anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10), helping modulate immune overactivity seen in autoimmune uveitis PMC.

6. Ocular Relaxation Exercises
   Techniques such as palming (covering closed eyes with warm palms) and gentle eye-rolling may improve aqueous humour dynamics and reduce discomfort during flares, though evidence remains anecdotal biotechhealthcare.com.

7. Mindful Walking
   Combining focused breathing with walking promotes moderate activity in a stress-reducing context, lowering cortisol and protecting against stress-induced flares PMC.

Mind-Body Interventions

1. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
   An eight-week program of guided meditation, body scanning, and gentle yoga reduces serum cortisol and inflammatory markers. Early studies show MBSR decreases intraocular pressure fluctuations and improves quality of life in ocular inflammatory conditions PubMedWikipedia.

2. Guided Imagery
   Listening to scripted visualisations calms the nervous system, reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines, and may lessen perceived pain during acute uveitis flares PMC.

3. Progressive Muscle Relaxation
   Systematically tensing and relaxing muscle groups lowers stress hormone levels and modulates T-cell activity, supporting a calmer immune response UCSF Clinical Trials.

4. Biofeedback
   Using sensors to monitor heart rate variability and skin temperature teaches patients to self-regulate stress responses that can worsen inflammation UCSF Clinical Trials.

5. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
   A structured talk-therapy approach that reframes negative thoughts about chronic eye disease can reduce anxiety and depression, indirectly stabilising immune function PMC.

6. Breathing Exercises
   Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing activate the parasympathetic system, lower cortisol, and reduce ocular discomfort during flares JMIR Formative Research.

7. Meditation Apps
   Digital programs offering short daily guided meditations improve adherence to mind-body practices and have shown feasibility in non-infectious uveitis patients UCSF Clinical Trials.

Educational Self-Management

1. Symptom Tracking Diary
   Recording daily vision changes, pain levels, and medication use helps detect early flares so treatment adjustments can be made promptly Number Analytics.

2. Medication Adherence Programs
   Structured reminders and educational materials improve consistency with eye-drop and immunosuppressive regimens, leading to better long-term control PentaVision.

3. Online Patient Guides
   Resources from organisations like the Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation provide plain-language explanations of uveitis and self-care strategies Uveitis.org | OIUF.

4. Support Groups
   Participating in peer-led or professional groups helps patients share experiences, reducing isolation and improving coping skills Number Analytics.

5. Mobile Health Apps
   Apps designed for uveitis enable tracking of symptoms, medication schedules, and provider communication in one platform IOVS.

6. Educational Workshops
   In-person or virtual sessions led by ophthalmologists and nurses teach self-management skills, eye-drop techniques, and trigger avoidance PentaVision.

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Pharmacological Treatments: Key Drugs

1. Prednisolone Acetate 1% Eye Drops

   • Class & Mechanism: Topical corticosteroid that inhibits multiple inflammatory pathways by reducing cytokine gene expression.

   • Dosage & Timing: 1–2 drops every 1–2 hours while awake during acute flares, tapered over weeks as inflammation subsides Wikipediaaaojournal.org.

   • Side Effects: Ocular hypertension, cataract formation, secondary infection.

2. Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant (Ozurdex)

   • Class & Mechanism: Slow-release corticosteroid implant delivering 0.7 mg dexamethasone directly into the vitreous.

   • Dosage & Timing: Single injection every 4–6 months for persistent inflammation Wikipedia.

   • Side Effects: Elevated intraocular pressure, risk of endophthalmitis.

3. Triamcinolone Acetonide Periocular Injection

   • Class & Mechanism: Depot corticosteroid injection (20–40 mg) into the sub-Tenon space reduces local inflammation.

   • Dosage & Timing: Single injection every 3–4 months as indicated Wikipedia.

   • Side Effects: Ptosis, globe perforation, ocular hypertension.

4. Adalimumab (Humira)

   • Class & Mechanism: Anti-TNF α monoclonal antibody that halts TNF α-driven inflammation.

   • Dosage & Timing: 80 mg loading dose, then 40 mg subcutaneously every other week New England Journal of MedicinePMC.

   • Side Effects: Injection site reactions, increased infection risk.

5. Methotrexate

   • Class & Mechanism: Antimetabolite DMARD that inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, modulating T-cell function.

   • Dosage & Timing: 7.5–25 mg orally once weekly with folinic acid rescue Wikipedia.

   • Side Effects: Hepatotoxicity, cytopenias, mucositis.

6. Mycophenolate Mofetil

   • Class & Mechanism: Purine synthesis inhibitor that suppresses lymphocyte proliferation.

   • Dosage & Timing: 500–1,000 mg orally twice daily Wikipedia.

   • Side Effects: Gastrointestinal upset, leukopenia.

7. Cyclosporine A

   • Class & Mechanism: Calcineurin inhibitor that blocks T-cell activation.

   • Dosage & Timing: 3–5 mg/kg/day in two divided doses Wikipedia.

   • Side Effects: Hypertension, nephrotoxicity.

8. Azathioprine

   • Class & Mechanism: Purine analog that impairs DNA/RNA synthesis in rapidly dividing immune cells.

   • Dosage & Timing: 1–2 mg/kg/day orally Wikipedia.

   • Side Effects: Bone marrow suppression, hepatotoxicity.

9. Acyclovir

   • Class & Mechanism: Antiviral that inhibits viral DNA polymerase for HSV/VZV uveitis.

   • Dosage & Timing: 400 mg orally five times daily for acute phase; taper to 400 mg twice daily for maintenance Glaucoma Today.

   • Side Effects: Nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity in renal impairment.

10. Valacyclovir

    • Class & Mechanism: Prodrug of acyclovir with better bioavailability.

    • Dosage & Timing: 500 mg orally three times daily for acute; 500 mg–1 g daily for maintenance Glaucoma Today.

    • Side Effects: Headache, nausea, renal dysfunction.

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Dietary Molecular Supplements

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil)

   • Dosage: 1,000–2,000 mg EPA/DHA daily.

   • Function & Mechanism: Produces anti-inflammatory eicosanoids, reduces TNF α and IL-1 β levels, supporting immune balance Wikipedia.

2. Curcumin (Turmeric Extract)

   • Dosage: 375 mg three times daily (phospholipid-formulated).

   • Function & Mechanism: Inhibits NF-κB and scavenges ROS, showing efficacy comparable to steroids in chronic anterior uveitis PubMedFrontiers.

3. Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol)

   • Dosage: 1,000–2,000 IU daily, adjusted to maintain 25(OH)D >30 ng/mL.

   • Function & Mechanism: Modulates T-cell function and cytokine profiles; low levels linked to uveitis activity PubMed.

4. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

   • Dosage: 500 mg–1 g daily.

   • Function & Mechanism: Potent antioxidant that regenerates other antioxidants and protects ocular tissues from oxidative damage PMC.

5. Green Tea Extract (EGCG)

   • Dosage: 300 mg EGCG daily.

   • Function & Mechanism: Suppresses MAPK/NF-κB pathways, decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines in ocular tissues PMC.

6. Quercetin

   • Dosage: 500 mg twice daily.

   • Function & Mechanism: Stabilises mast cells and inhibits histamine release, reducing ocular inflammation PMC.

7. Resveratrol

   • Dosage: 100–200 mg daily.

   • Function & Mechanism: Activates SIRT1, reduces oxidative stress and cytokine production PMC.

8. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

   • Dosage: 600 mg twice daily.

   • Function & Mechanism: Precursor to glutathione, scavenges ROS and downregulates inflammatory mediators PMC.

9. Lutein & Zeaxanthin

   • Dosage: 10 mg lutein + 2 mg zeaxanthin daily.

   • Function & Mechanism: Filter blue light and provide antioxidant protection to the retina, supporting overall ocular health ScienceDirect.

10. Astaxanthin

    • Dosage: 4–12 mg daily.

    • Function & Mechanism: Strong antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress and supports microcirculation in the eye PMC.

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Emerging Therapies

1. Alendronate (Bisphosphonate)

   • Dosage & Use: 70 mg orally once weekly (off-label).

   • Function & Mechanism: Inhibits osteoclasts and may modulate macrophage activity; experimental in sarcoid-related uveitis with limited case reports PMC.

2. Pamidronate (Bisphosphonate)

   • Dosage & Use: 60–90 mg IV every 3–4 months (investigational).

   • Function & Mechanism: Similar to alendronate; proposed MMP inhibition may reduce ocular tissue remodelling PMC.

3. Adalimumab (Biologic Regenerative)

   • Dosage & Use: See section above on key drugs. It promotes long-term reductions in steroid use and fosters immune system resetting in refractory cases New England Journal of Medicine.

4. Tocilizumab (IL-6 Receptor Inhibitor)

   • Dosage & Use: 4–8 mg/kg IV every 4 weeks or 162 mg SC every 2 weeks.

   • Function & Mechanism: Blocks IL-6R signalling, effective in non-infectious uveitis resistant to anti-TNF therapy PubMedWikipedia.

5. Intracameral Hyaluronic Acid (Viscosupplementation)

   • Dosage & Use: 0.1 mL of 1.5% HA injected after paracentesis.

   • Function & Mechanism: Maintains chamber depth, protects corneal endothelium, and may aid diagnostic taps by stabilising IOP PubMed.

6. Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles

   • Dosage & Use: Experimental intravitreal injections (dose variable in trials).

   • Function & Mechanism: Deliver immunomodulatory miRNAs and proteins that dampen T-cell activation and promote ocular immune privilege; preclinical studies show promise PubMedPMC.

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Surgical Interventions

1. Anterior Chamber Paracentesis

   • Procedure: See definition section.

   • Benefits: Diagnostic clarity and acute pressure relief; safe when done properly in uveitis patients PMCWikipedia.

2. Cataract Extraction (Phacoemulsification with IOL)

   • Procedure: Ultrasound-assisted removal of cloudy lens via micro-incision and implantation of artificial lens, performed once uveitis is controlled for ≥3 months.

   • Benefits: Restores vision impaired by uveitic cataract; improved visual outcomes when inflammation is quiescent EyeWikiPMC.

3. Glaucoma Surgery (Trabeculectomy or Tube Shunt)

   • Procedure: Creation of a fistula (trabeculectomy) or implantation of drainage device to lower IOP unresponsive to medical therapy.

   • Benefits: Protects optic nerve in steroid-induced or secondary glaucoma from uveitis; preserves remaining vision EyeWiki.

4. Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV)

   • Procedure: Removal of vitreous gel via three-port microincision to clear inflammatory debris and membranes.

   • Benefits: Improves vitreous haze, macular oedema, and vision; reduces reliance on systemic steroids PMCRetina Specialist.

5. Epiretinal Membrane Peeling

   • Procedure: During PPV, microscopic forceps peel away scar tissue on the retinal surface.

   • Benefits: Restores macular anatomy and vision in cases of uveitic macular pucker Review of Ophthalmology.

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Prevention Strategies

1. Maintain Uveitis Remission: Strict adherence to prescribed immunosuppressive regimens.

2. Regular Eye Exams: Follow-up every 1–3 months as recommended.

3. Smoking Cessation: Smoking elevates systemic inflammation Dr. Axe.

4. UV Protection: Wear sunglasses to reduce photo-inflammatory triggers.

5. Manage Systemic Conditions: Keep autoimmune or infectious diseases under control.

6. Stress Management: Use mind-body techniques to avoid stress-induced flares PMC.

7. Healthy Diet: Anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and micronutrients.

8. Avoid Ocular Trauma: Use protective eyewear during sports and activities.

9. Prompt Treatment of Infections: Early antiviral or antibiotic therapy to prevent secondary uveitis.

10. Medication Review: Avoid drugs known to trigger uveitis (e.g., some bisphosphonates, fluoroquinolones).

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When to See a Doctor

• Immediate: Sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or uncontrolled redness Verywell Health.

• Within 24–48 Hours: New floaters, worsening blurred vision, or headache with eye symptoms.

• Routine Monitoring: Every 3–6 months when inflammation is quiescent; more frequently during flares.

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What to Do & What to Avoid

What to Do:

1. Follow your eye-drop schedule exactly.

2. Keep a symptom diary for flare tracking.

3. Use cold compresses for comfort during flares.

4. Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors.

5. Maintain hydration and rest.

What to Avoid:

1. Rubbing or pressing on the eye.

2. Smoking or second-hand smoke exposure.

3. Skipping follow-up appointments.

4. Over-the-counter eye drops not prescribed by your specialist.

5. Excessive screen time without breaks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is anterior chamber paracentesis?
   A minor procedure to sample anterior chamber fluid or relieve high pressure by withdrawing a small amount of aqueous humour under local anaesthesia PMC.

2. Why is paracentesis done in uveitis?
   It helps identify infectious causes via PCR or culture and can rapidly lower dangerous intraocular pressure aaojournal.org.

3. Is paracentesis safe?
   When performed by an experienced ophthalmologist, it has a low complication rate and is considered safe in uveitis patients PMC.

4. How should I prepare?
   No fasting is needed; instill anaesthetic drops; wear clear wraparound glasses post-procedure for 24 hours.

5. What are the risks?
   Rarely: infection (endophthalmitis), iris trauma, lens touch, or transient low pressure Wikipedia.

6. Can lifestyle changes help uveitis?
   Yes—regular exercise, stress reduction, and a healthy diet can lower systemic inflammation and reduce flare frequency PMCPMC.

7. Are there natural supplements for uveitis?
   Antioxidants like curcumin, omega-3s, and vitamin D have shown supportive benefits but should complement—not replace—medical therapy PubMedPubMed.

8. When is surgery needed?
   For complications like cataract, glaucoma, persistent vitreous haze, or macular membranes not responding to medication Retina Specialist.

9. Can uveitis cause permanent vision loss?
   Without prompt treatment, chronic inflammation may damage ocular structures leading to complications like glaucoma, cataract, or macular oedema Wikipedia.

10. How long does uveitis last?
    Acute uveitis can resolve in weeks; chronic or recurrent forms may require long-term immunosuppression.

11. Is uveitis contagious?
    No—non-infectious uveitis is an immune-mediated condition; only infectious types (e.g., viral) carry a risk of contagion.

12. Can stress trigger uveitis?
    High stress levels can modulate immune function and may precipitate flares; stress-reduction techniques are recommended PMC.

13. What specialists manage uveitis?
    Ophthalmologists with subspecialty training in uveitis or ocular immunology.

14. Is uveitis hereditary?
    Some types (HLA-B27 associated) have genetic predispositions but are not directly inherited in a simple pattern.

15. How can I prevent recurrences?
    Maintain tight control of inflammation, adhere to treatment, monitor systemic diseases, and avoid known triggers.

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, geological location, weather and previous medical  history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. Regular check-ups and awareness can help to manage and prevent complications associated with these diseases conditions. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. We always try to ensure that the content is regularly updated to reflect the latest medical research and treatment options. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

The article is written by Team RxHarun and reviewed by the Rx Editorial Board Members

Last Updated: July 13, 2025.

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