Natural treatments for uveitis
Natural treatments for uveitis focus on managing inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of tissues surrounding the eyeball. While medical intervention is crucial for effective management, some individuals explore complementary approaches. Notable among these are antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E, which have shown promise when used alongside standard treatments, potentially improving visual acuity during recovery from acute anterior uveitis. Additionally, turmeric (Curcuma longa) is recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, with some studies suggesting it may alleviate symptoms of uveitis, though further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Other antioxidants, including beta-carotene and bilberry, are often mentioned, but evidence supporting their use is limited. A balanced diet rich in vital nutrients is also encouraged, emphasizing foods like berries, leafy greens, and fish that contribute to overall eye health. It's essential to approach natural treatments with caution and consult healthcare professionals, as they should not replace conventional medical care. Understanding these treatments can empower individuals seeking additional support for managing uveitis while respecting the importance of medical guidance.
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Subject Terms
Natural treatments for uveitis
DEFINITION: Treatment of the inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the tissues surrounding the eyeball.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: None
OTHER PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: Turmeric (Curcuma longa), vitamin E with vitamin C
Introduction
Uveitis is a condition marked by inflammation of the uvea. The uvea is the middle layer of the tissues surrounding the eyeball, stretching from the iris at the front of the eye to a lining beneath the retina at the back of the eye. The three main types of uveitis are named based on where the inflammation occurs: iritis (or “anterior uveitis”), which affects the front of the eye; cyclitis (or “intermediate uveitis”), for inflammation along the body of the eye; and choroiditis (or “posterior uveitis”), which affects the rear of the eye. Uveitis can also be called acute or chronic, depending on whether it is short or long in duration.
Uveitis usually occurs in only one eye. In the most common forms of uveitis, the eye is reddened, and the redness reaches into the area just next to the iris. The affected pupil may be smaller than the other, and its shape may be irregular. Vision is often blurred or misty, and blinking will not clear it. Deep, aching pain generally accompanies uveitis.
Uveitis can begin after injury to the eye or after eye surgery, but it can also start with no obvious trigger. While the underlying cause of uveitis is unknown, autoimmune processes are thought to play a role. If left untreated, uveitis can cause permanent damage to vision, including blindness. For this reason, one should seek medical examination and treatment. The diagnosis of uveitis is made by means of a special medical tool called a slit lamp. Treatment involves medications to reduce inflammation and to control pressure in the eye.
Proposed Natural Treatments
No natural treatment can substitute for standard medical care for uveitis. However, two natural substances taken together, vitamin C and vitamin E, have shown promise when used in addition to standard treatment.
In a double-blind trial of 145 people undergoing treatment for acute anterior uveitis, participants were additionally given either placebo or combined treatment with vitamin C (500 milligrams [mg] twice daily) and vitamin E (100 mg twice daily). People receiving the real treatment had better visual acuity at the end of the eight-week study period. Researchers hypothesized that free radicals (a class of dangerous, naturally occurring chemicals) play a role in the eye injury caused by uveitis. Vitamin C and vitamin E are antioxidants, and they tend to neutralize free radicals. While further study is necessary to corroborate these results, it appears plausible that the use of these antioxidants may help keep the eye healthy while it recovers from the condition.
Other antioxidants have also been recommended for acute uveitis, but there is no real evidence that they are helpful. These include beta-carotene, bilberry, citrus bioflavonoids, lipoic acid, lutein, oligomeric proanthocyanidins, selenium, and vitamin A. Antioxidants are also often recommended for chronic uveitis (combined with conventional care). One study examined the potential benefits of an antioxidant extract made from the herb turmeric and appeared to find benefit. However, this study lacked a placebo group and, therefore, cannot be taken as reliable.
Using the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric (Curcuma longa), researchers at Texas A&M developed a natural treatment for uveitis in dogs. This research may have laid the foundation for effective natural treatment of uveitis in humans. Researchers also noted curcumin as an attractive treatment because of its limited side effects. Another study found that 375 milligrams of turmeric taken three times daily reduced symptoms of uveitis in less than two weeks without using any other drugs or supplements.
Manufacturers of natural treatments for uveitis make numerous other recommendations based on speculation only. These treatments include fish oil, flax oil, manganese, lutein, vitamin B complex (a mixture of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12; pantothenic acid; biotin; and folate), olive leaf extract, red clover, and zinc. It is also advisable to consume a diet rich in vitamins and minerals that promote good eye health, such as berries, citrus fruit, tomatoes, leafy greens, fish, whole grains, eggs, peanuts, carrots, apricots, papayas, and avocados.
Bibliography
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Lal, B., et al. “Efficacy of Curcumin in the Management of Chronic Anterior Uveitis.” Phytotherapy Research vol. 13 1999, 318-22.
Li, Sicong, et al. “Research Progress on the Mechanism of Natural Product Ingredients in the Treatment of Uveitis.” Journal of Immunology Research, 16 July 2021, doi:10.1155/2021/6683411.
Preigh, Margaret. "Texas A&M Researchers Develop Uveitis Treatment From Turmeric." Texas A&M Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 3 Sept. 2020, vetmed.tamu.edu/news/press-releases/texas-am-researchers-develop-uveitis-treatment-from-turmeric. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.
"Uveitis." St. Luke's Hospital, 5 Jan. 2015, www.stlukes-stl.com/health-content/medicine/33/000171.htm. Accessed 21 Dec. 2022.
Van Rooij, J., et al. “Oral Vitamins C and E as Additional Treatment in Patients with Acute Anterior Uveitis.” British Journal of Ophthalmology vol. 83, 1999, 1277-82.