Uveitis & Ocular Inflammation Treatment in Mbombela
Specialist care for eye inflammation and autoimmune eye disease.
At the Lowveld Eye Institute, Dr. Dean van der Westhuizen provides comprehensive diagnosis and management of uveitis — protecting vision and addressing the underlying cause of ocular inflammation.
What Is Uveitis?
Uveitis is inflammation inside the eye that can affect the uvea (the middle layer of the eye), retina, and vitreous. It can occur at any age and is often linked to autoimmune disease, infections, or systemic illness.
Types include:
- Anterior uveitis – affects the front of the eye (most common).
- Intermediate uveitis – inflammation in the vitreous.
- Posterior uveitis – affects the retina and choroid at the back of the eye.
- Panuveitis – inflammation throughout the whole eye.
Symptoms of Uveitis
- Red, painful eyes
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- New floaters or spots in vision
- Severe cases: sudden vision loss
Causes of Uveitis
It may occur on its own or as part of a wider health condition. Common causes include:
- Autoimmune disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, sarcoidosis)
- Infections (e.g., tuberculosis, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, herpes)
- Trauma or surgery
- Idiopathic (unknown cause) – in many cases no clear trigger is found.
Diagnosis & Technology
At the Lowveld Eye Institute, we use advanced imaging and testing to investigate, including:
- OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) to assess macular swelling.
- Fundus photography & widefield imaging to document inflammation.
- Fluorescein angiography when needed to check for vascular leakage.
- Systemic blood tests & imaging in collaboration with rheumatologists and physicians.
Treatment Options
- Topical treatment – steroid eye drops, dilating drops for anterior uveitis.
- Systemic medication – oral steroids or immunosuppressive agents in more severe or recurrent cases.
- Intravitreal injections – targeted treatment for retinal inflammation and macular oedema.
- Treatment of underlying cause – infections and systemic diseases must be identified and managed in collaboration with other specialists.
Prompt treatment is critical: left untreated it can cause glaucoma, cataracts, macular oedema, or permanent retinal damage.
Why Choose Dr. Dean van der Westhuizen?
- Advanced training in retinal and inflammatory eye disease.
- State-of-the-art diagnostics to guide treatment.
- Collaborative care with rheumatologists, infectious disease specialists, and physicians.
- Patient-first approach – clear communication, close monitoring, and long-term follow-up.
Book a Uveitis Consultation
If you have a red, painful eye or sudden vision changes, early diagnosis is critical.
Call us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Dean van der Westhuizen at the Lowveld Eye Institute.
