Anterior Uveitis

Anterior uveitis is an inflammatory reaction in the front part of the eye. The focus of inflammation is in the area of the ciliary body (radiating body) and the iris (iris). In the slit-lamp examination, the ophthalmologist sees inflammatory cells in the anterior chamber of the eye (so-called anterior chamber cells) and often also as deposits on the back surface of the cornea (keratoprecipitates). A severe and/or prolonged inflammation in this segment of the eye usually leads to relevant complications (opacity of the lens, increase in intraocular pressure, macular edema, etc.) so that we strive for "zero tolerance" in the sense of freedom from inflammation through intensified therapy. If the clinical picture is not clear, we perform diagnostic tests to determine the cause (laboratory, anterior chamber puncture if necessary, imaging and/or further examinations). Here we work closely with other clinics at the Inselspital (rheumatology, infectiology, pediatric clinic, etc.). In the case of infectious uveitis, the responsible pathogen is specifically treated (e.g. anti-herpetic therapy for herpes uveitis). In all other cases, we perform an anti-inflammatory therapy, which is adapted to the course of the inflammation under appropriate follow-up controls (eye drops, possibly systemic therapy in the further course). The aim of the therapy is to achieve freedom from inflammation and to avoid complications in order to maintain visual acuity as well as possible.