Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, the middle part of the eye between the sclera and the retina. Depending upon different affected parts of the uvea, the inflammation may be termed as iritis, cyclitis or choroiditis. Uveitis may be related to different causes such as herpes zoster, histoplasmosis, toxoplasmosis or arthritis. Symptoms may be either acute or chronic and include sensitivity to light, blurred vision, pain and redness of the eye.
Prompt treatment of uveitis is necessary to control pain and inflammation and minimize the chances of loss of vision. Eye drops, especially steroids and pupil dilators, are usually used for this condition, in addition to other oral medications. Ayurvedic medicines can be given as additional therapy in order to improve the therapeutic response and prevent complications. Medicines like Arogya-Vardhini, Triphala-Guggulu, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Punarnavadi-Guggulu, Saptamrut-Loh, Triphala-Ghrut, Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and Behada (Terminalia bellerica) are used to reduce inflammation in the eye. Eye drops containing Triphala (Three fruits), Haridra (curcuma longa), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Chandan (Santalum album), Usheer (Vetiveria zizanioidis), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), rose water and honey can also be used for this purpose.
Treatment is also given according to the known cause of this condition. Kaishor-Guggulu, Ekang-Veer-Ras, Maha-Vat-Vidhvans-Ras, Bhumiamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra) and Bhrungraj (Eclipta alba) are used to treat viral infections such as herpes zoster. Medicines like Sukshma-Triphala, Ras-Parpati, Triphala-Guggulu and Gandhak-Rasayan are used to treat fungal and parasitic infections. Arthritis can be treated using medicines like Yograj-Guggulu, Trayodashang-Guggulu, Vat-Gajankush-Ras and Vish-Tinduk-Vati. Complications of the eye such as glaucoma, cataract or new blood vessel formation need to be treated separately using medicines like Gokshuradi-Guggulu, Punarnavadi-Qadha, Triphala-Churna, Maha-Manjishthadi-Qadha and Saarivadi-Churna.
Iritis or cyclitis usually have an acute onset and may be controlled within 6 to 8 weeks. The onset of choroiditis is much slower and may be more chronic and more difficult to treat. All such patients should be under the regular care and supervision of an Ophthalmologist.
