Eye Inflammation (Uveitis) Treatment in Downtown Manhattan, New York

Chances are that you’ll feel a distinct discomfort if you’ve developed an eye inflammation, technically known as uveitis. Your red, painful eyes and blurred vision can be a scary wakeup call that you have the beginnings of a potentially serious eye condition. To ensure that you receive a proper diagnosis and the best uveitis treatment in Downtown Manhattan, call the doctors at Eye Physicians. They have effective treatment for eye inflammation, which works best when you catch it early.

    What Is Uveitis?

    Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, which is the central layer of the eye that contains the iris, ciliary body and choroids in the middle part of your eyes. Warning signs of uveitis often appear unexpectedly and worsen quickly. The condition can affect people of all ages, including children. It might be acute, lasting only a few weeks, or chronic, lasting months or even years. It can have terrible effects, including irreversible loss of sight.

    This eye inflammation can be categorized into different types based on the part of the uvea that’s affected:

    • Anterior uveitis. This is the inflammation of the iris and is also called iritis. Anterior uveitis is said to be the most common type.
    • Posterior uveitis. This refers to inflammation of the choroid that’s at the back of the eye and is also called choroiditis. Posterior uveitis can affect the retina, leading to severe vision issues.
    • Intermediate uveitis. This is the inflammation of the ciliary body and is also known as cyclitis. As compared to others, this swelling of the muscles and tissues that circle the iris is less common.
    • Panuveitis. Panuveitis refers to inflammation of the entire uvea affecting all three parts. As compared to the other three types this can be the most severe and require exceptional treatment for eye inflammation.
    Eye Inflammation (Uveitis)

    How Long Does Eye Inflammation Last?

    The duration of the swelling depends on the underlying cause. Uveitis isn’t contagious and the prognosis depends on several factors, including how quickly it’s detected and treated by a uveitis specialist. With early and appropriate treatment, the prognosis is favorable, and you can recover without severe long-term consequences. Early detection and proper treatment depend on your eye doctor as only a trained optometrist can provide you with a correct diagnosis, quick intervention and safe eye inflammation treatment.

    If you’re looking for a uveitis specialist near me in Manhattan, your search is over. The Eye Physicians in NYC have skilled doctors with the experience and talent to prevent issues, preserve your vision and deliver comprehensive eye care for you and your family.

    In addition to eye inflammation treatment for panuveitis, they provide a wide range of services to treat several conditions, including:

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    What Are Common Symptoms of Eye Inflammation?

    Symptoms can build gradually, and they may affect one or both eyes. On rare occasions, you won’t even have any symptoms at all, which is why it’s so important to have regular eye exams,  when your uveitis specialist discovers the abnormality before you have any discomfort. When you do have symptoms, however.

    They may include:

    • Eye redness
    • Pain in the eyes
    • Light sensitivity called photophobia
    • Blurred vision
    • Floaters, which are dark spots or specks in your vision
    • Changes in pupil size
    • Eye discharge
    • Reduced vision

    Uveitis is most common in adults aged 20 to 60, and smoking increases your chances of getting it.

    Without proper uveitis treatment, it can also cause more severe and complicated symptoms that could include:

    • Severe eye pain
    • Headaches
    • Eye swelling
    • Cataracts
    • Optic nerve injury
    • Decreased or cloudy vision
    • Distorted vision
    • Inability to keep the eye open
    • Retinal detachment

    What Can Cause Uveitis?

    Uveitis can be caused by tumors that affect the eyes, such as lymphomas. However, sometimes the causes of uveitis are a bit of a mystery.

    But the effectiveness of uveitis treatment in NYC depends on identifying the underlying cause, which may include:

    • Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections
    • Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and ankylosing spondylitis
    • Inflammatory disorders like Crohn’s disease or sarcoidosis
    • Eye injuries or surgical eye procedures
    • Exposure to certain toxins or chemicals

    Uveitis can be detected during an eye doctor’s simple and painless dilated eye examination. After widening your pupil with special eye medications, the doctor inspects your eyes for symptoms of uveitis and other potential eye problems. It’s a simple practice to keep your eyes in excellent condition and catch the early signs of conditions like uveitis.

    What Uveitis Treatment in Downtown Manhattan, NYC?

    When uveitis is caused by a medical condition, treatment is targeted to that particular disease. If the cause is infectious, treatment for eye inflammation consists of antibiotics, possible antibiotic eyedrops and careful monitoring.

    Treatment might last months or years and includes different approaches such as:

    • Corticosteroid eye drops, prescribed to decrease inflammation in the eye and applied several times per day, as instructed by your doctor
    • Corticosteroid injections, administered directly into the eye in severe situations — Eye Physicians doctors are available for 24/7 follow up if necessary following injections
    • Oral corticosteroids, prescribed to treat extensive inflammation
    • Immunosuppressive medications, used when corticosteroids alone are insufficient. Examples include methotrexate and azathioprine.

    Vitrectomy, a surgical technique that removes some of the vitreous in your eye, is occasionally recommended but rarely used. For difficult posterior uveitis, an eye-implanted device provides continuous corticosteroid release for months or years. 

    Other additional measures may include:

    • Eyedrops to dilate the pupil and reduce pain
    • Over-the-counter pain medications or prescription painkillers on a limited basis
    • Sunglasses, which are recommended to protect the eyes from ultraviolet rays
    • Adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and frequent exercise — all recommended to promote general health

    The type of uveitis and the severity of the symptoms determines how quickly you recover. Severe inflammation takes longer to resolve than lesser cases, and uveitis may reoccur. To set up a standard screening or to visit the best ophthalmologist near me in Downtown Manhattan, contact Eye Physicians for an appointment, especially if you already have symptoms.

    Additionally, the experts at Eye Physician in New York City provide comprehensive eye exams, pediatric eye exams, and other treatments, including:

    Page Updated on Nov 6, 2024 by Dr. William Hogue, OD (Optometrist) of Eye Physicians
    William Hogue, OD

    My name is Dr. William Hogue, and I am an optometrist dedicated to providing top-quality professional eye care. I'm trained in treating various ocular conditions, including dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, and retinal issues.

    I earned my chemistry degree summa cum laude from the University of Tennessee. Subsequently, I obtained my Doctorate of Optometry (OD) and Master of Science (MS) from the New England College of Optometry. Following graduation, I completed an ocular disease residency at the State University of New York’s College of Optometry. Beyond my clinical work, I have also been a supporter of Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH).

    More about Dr. Hogue

    Eye Physicians
    110 Lafayette St, Suite 503
    New York, NY 10013
    (212) 292-4814

    Why Choose Eye Physicians?

    Entrust the care of your precious eyesight to highly skilled and experienced eye care professionals. For top-notch ophthalmologists and optometrists in Downtown Manhattan, choose Eye Physicians. Eye Physicians ensures prompt care, precise diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans.

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