What Is the Treatment of Anterior Uveitis? A Severity-Based Approach

Clinical Context

Anterior uveitis is treated according to the severity of the anterior chamber reaction. Both the choice of anti-inflammatory therapy and the use of supportive agents are determined by how active the inflammation is at presentation.

Treatment Goals

Successful treatment is defined by improvement in visual acuity, a meaningful reduction in anterior chamber cells, and absence of anterior chamber flare. These findings guide both treatment selection and the decision to taper supportive therapy.

Treatment Approach (partial overview)

First-line management is built around topical corticosteroid therapy, with the specific agent selected according to the severity of the anterior chamber reaction. A cycloplegic/mydriatic agent is used alongside as a supportive measure. Which agents apply at each severity level — and how response is monitored — is detailed in the full protocol.

Drug selection, potency, frequency, and monitoring criteria are in the structured protocol below.

Instant Access to Structured Evidence-Based Regimens

References

DOI: 10.4103/0301-4738.58468

Corticosteroids are the drug of choice in the treatment of anterior uveitis.
Topical drops are the commonest and easiest method with the least side-effects.
The choice of topical steroid should be based on the severity of uveitis; in cases with severe AC reaction topical steroid with strong potency such as prednisolone acetate should be preferred whereas in cases with mild anterior uveitis weak topical steroid such as betamethasone or dexamethasone can be applied.
These are given as supportive measures.
They cause paresis of the iris and ciliary muscle and keep the pupils mobile, thereby preventing the formation of synechiae.
Monitoring of response to treatment should include visual acuity and grading of cells and flare.
Cycloplegics may be discontinued when the cellular reaction is subsiding and flare is absent.

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