Uveitis and Testing for Autoimmune Disease
NOV 20, 2012
Question:
My daughter has uveitis. The ophthalmologist sent her to her regular doctor for tests and x-rays to see if there are any underlying issues. Is this the logical next step?
Answer:
Yes, that is a logical next step. Uveitis can occur in association with other systemic diseases, or it can occur by itself in isolation. Testing for autoimmune diseases can be done with certain blood tests and other special tests. After obtaining the test results, treatment is in order. This often is done with drugs that can be instilled in the eye as eyedrops, injected under the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye, or injected directly into the eyeball or surgically implanted inside the eye as a small pellet. Your ophthalmologist can recommend the best approach to treatment.