Posterior Uveitis

Abstract

Posterior uveitis is a major cause of ocular morbidity worldwide. Systemic corticosteroids (CS) remain the primary method of treatment for noninfectious posterior uveitis; however, CS are associated with many side effects. Immunomodulatory therapy (IMT) is recommended when inflammatory control is not attained with a tolerable level of systemic CS (<10 mg/day of prednisone). IMT agents are associated with several toxicities and limited benefits in some patients. Locally administered therapies (e.g. intravitreal CS implants) offer the promise of providing therapeutic levels of anti-inflammatory agents while avoiding systemic complications. This chapter will briefly discuss common posterior uveitis entities that are amenable to retinal pharmacotherapy.