Overview:

Uveitis means "inflammation of the uvea", or the middle layer of the eye. The uvea consists of three structures: the iris, the ciliary body, and the choroid. The iris is the colored structure surrounding the pupil, visible in the front of the eye. The ciliary body is a structure containing muscle and is located behind the iris which focuses the lens. The choroid is a layer containing blood vessels that line the back of the eye and is located between the inner visually sensitive layer, called the retina, and the outer white eye wall, called the sclera.

Inflammation occurring in any of these three structures is termed "uveitis". Inflammation in uveitis may involve any but not necessarily all of these three structures. Depending upon which structures are inflamed, uveitis may be further subcategorized into one of three main diagnoses, these include: 1) iritis or anterior uveitis, 2) cyclitis or intermediate uveitis, and 3) choroiditis or posterior uveitis.

Severe and permanent visual loss can result from uveitis. In addition, uveitis can lead to other ocular complications, which may produce vision loss, including glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal damage. Early detection and treatment is necessary to reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.

Symptoms:

Depending on which part of the eye is inflammed in uveitis different combinations of these symptoms may be present:

Redness, light sensitivity, floaters, blurry vision and/or pain.

These symptoms may come on suddenly, and you may not experience any pain. The symptoms described above may not necessarily mean that you have uveitis. However, if you experience one or more of these symptoms, contact your eye doctor for a complete exam. Symptoms can include blurry vision and/or pain.

These symptoms may come on suddenly, and you may not experience any pain. The symptoms described above may not necessarily mean that you have uveitis. However, if you experience one or more of these symptoms, contact your eye doctor for a complete exam.

Causes:

Uveitis may develop following eye trauma or surgery, in association with diseases which affect other organs in the body, or may be a condition isolated to the eye itself.

Conventional Treatment:

Medical treatment of uveitis must be aggressive to prevent glaucoma, to prevent scarring of the structures inside the eye and to prevent possible blindness. Different medications are used to control the original cause of the uveitis, if known, and to minimize the inflammation itself. Aspirin (not aspirin substitutes) or Rimadyl?by mouth and indomethacin, Profenal? Ocufen? Voltaren?and corticosteroids (cortisone drugs) minimize the inflammatory process. Corticosteroids may be administered by injection under the conjunctiva (moveable white tissue of the eye), by eye drops or as an oral medication or a combination of these means depending on the location of uveitis. Eye drops are most often used for anterior uveitis. Injections and oral medication are used for posterior uveitis or panuveitis. Drops in the eye must be postponed if damage to the corneal surface is present (ulcer) because the corticosteroids prevent healing of the ulcer or lead to a worsening of the ulcer.

Complementary Treatment:

Products below are listed in order of priority:

If you are not sure which nutrients you need, we offer free consultations either by e-mail or by telephone (845-255-8222).

Essential: Carlson's Fine Fish Oil is in liquid form. One bottle contains 6.7 fluid ounces, and 1 teaspoon contains 1600 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids (800 mg of EPA and 500 mg of DHA), plus 14 mg of antioxidants to preserve freshness. Omega-3 fatty acids help improve circulation, integrity of blood vessels, proper brain functioning, flexibility and permeability of cell membranes, and helps protect the retina's photoreceptor cells. Recommended dosage is 1-2 teaspoonfuls once a day. Cost is $20 per bottle ($18 on automatic delivery).
Essential: N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) assists in the production and use of glutathione in the eyes. Cost is $30 per bottle ($28 on automatic delivery). Recommended dosage is 1 capsule per day (90 capsules per bottle). Each capsule contains 900 mg. This is a 3-month supply.
Essential: Vitamin C Time-Released Tablets - Each bottle contains 100 - 1,000 mg time-released tablets with 100 mg of lemon bioflavenoids. Time-C-Bio tablets are formulated to provide a gradual release of vitamin C and bioflavonoids over a period of 6 to 8 hours. Vitamin C has been shown in studies to help prevent cataracts,and also helps make collagen which strengthens the capillaries that nourish the retina, protects against UV light and is a powerful antioxidant. The eye contains the second highest concentration of vitamin C in the body next to the adrenal glands. Cost $15.50 per bottle ($14.50 on automatic delivery). Recommended dosage is 2 tablets per day (2,000 mg total) with meals.
Essential MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)capsules: is a naturally-occurring sulfur compound and dietary derivative of DMSO. MSM and arthritis have been associated together through arthritis studies over the past 25 years, and indications are that MSM can provide relief partly due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties. Recommended dosage is 2,000 mg per day (2 capsules). Each bottle contains 120 capsules. Cost is $20 per bottle ($18 on automatic delivery).
Essential MSM Eyedrops soften the membranes, allowing fluids to pass through the optical tissues. When our optical membranes become permeable, nutrients are able to penetrate through the optical tissues and provide nutrients needed for the body to heal itself. MSM softens tough-leathery tissue, equalizes pressure, repairs damaged membranes, clears up red spots and broken blood vessels and may help remove floaters and other eye particles. Cost is $8 per 1 oz bottle.
Essential: Serraflazyme (Serrapeptase) - This nutrient is a natural chelating anti-inflammatory agent. A gift from silkworms, Serraflazyme has wide clinical use spanning over twenty-five years throughout Europe and Asia as a viable alternative to salicylates, ibuprofen and the more potent NSAIDS. Unlke these drugs, Serraflazyme is a naturally occurring, physiologic agent with no inhibitory effects on prostaglandins and is devoid of gastrointestinal effects. Recommended dosage is 2 tablet 4 times a day. Each bottle contains 100 enteric coated 5 mg tablets (10,000 iu per tablet). Cost is $15 per bottle ($13 on automatic delivery).

Very Important: Glucosamine Sulfate has been shown in clinical studies to promote healthy connective tissue, and reduce inflammation. Cost is $23.00 per bottle or $21.00 on automatic delivery. Each bottle contains 150 capsules, 500 mg per capsule. This is a 50-day supply.
Helpful: PaleoGreens Formula is excellent Green formula with a full array of organic vegetables, organic fruits and wheatgrasses. Cost is $42 per bottle ($40 per bottle on automatic delivery)

Automatic delivery is available. Click Here for more information.

Self Help:

Since we consider most eye conditions to be a reflection of the health of the whole body, lifestyle choices and diet can play a major factor in getting and maintaining good vision. Below are some recommendations:

• Vision Diet recommended in Natural Eye Care,co-authored by Marc Grossman, O.D., L.Ac., helps maintain a healthy lens that easily drains away metabolic wastes and toxins from eye tissues.
• Reduce or eliminate drinking caffeine and sodas, avoid aspartame (labeled diet foods)and man made fats (corn oil and safflower oil, trans fats and hydrogenated vegetable oils including canola oil).
• Eliminate deep fat fried foods, monosodium glutanate (MSG) used as a flavor enhancer which is a potential retinal toxin (Inv Oph 1996; 37: 1618-24), and fat blockers like Olestra which impair the absorption of carotenoids (Argus, August 1996;19:18:July 1996;19:22).
• Limit your alcohol consumption to 1 glass of red wine at night. Alcohol interferes with liver functions, reducing protective glutathione levels (Alcohol 1993;10;469-75).
• Eliminate smoking. Smoking among other things produces cyanide, a retinal toxin.
• Supplement your diet with a good multivitamin such as Complete Life Food Compound Multi-Vitamin or Colloidal Mineral & Vitamin Formula.
• Limit the amount of medications (both prescription and non-prescription as much as possible. Make sure to work closely with your doctor.
• Exercise daily - do at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise daily. Walking and swimming are two excellent forms of exercise.
• Managing your emotional health is very important in maintaining physical health. Fear (fear of failure, responsibility, of being alone, of death, etc.) is at the root of many of life’s problems, and is a major factor in the development of eye conditions.
• Manage your stress. Take up Yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, walks in the woods, or prayer on a daily basis.