The Management of Ocular Inflammation Across Multiple Etiologies
Patient or KNOW Patient™

Eye inflammation involves the abnormal swelling of any ocular tissues. The condition can be the result of an exogenous insult, either iatrogenic or accidental, in addition to an endogenous source such as an autoimmune disease or pathogen. These insults cause disruption of the blood barrier and cellular infiltration, leading to intraocular inflammation.

Two common causes of ocular inflammation are uveitis and cataract surgery. Uveitis is inflammation that occurs in the uveal tract of the eye, which includes the iris, the ciliary body, and the choroid. Uveitis may be caused by an injury to the eye or an existing systemic disease. Symptoms of uveitis include pain, photophobia, and excessive tearing. Uveitis generally does not dampen visual acuity, but may cause hazy vision. Anterior uveitis refers to inflammation of the iris alone (iritis) or the iris and ciliary body. Intermediate uveitis refers to inflammation of the ciliary body, while posterior uveitis involves inflammation of the choroid. Cataract surgery is another common cause of eye inflammation. A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that commonly occurs in elderly people. Inflammation due to either uveitis or cataract surgery can be treated with similar agents.

Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and topical steroids have an important role in the treatment of acute ocular inflammation and postoperative pain due to cataract surgery. Because anterior uveitis affects the front of the eye, topical treatments can be effective. Posterior uveitis usually requires treatment with tablets or injections. Depending on symptoms, any of these treatments might be used for intermediate uveitis. Patients who have had cataract surgery are also candidates for treatment with NSAIDs and steroids. If not treated postoperatively, inflammation can result in increased intraocular pressure as well as corneal endothelial precipitate. A number of studies have reviewed the combined use of topical corticosteroids with topical NSAIDs for patients at high risk of inflammation, such as patients with diabetes, glaucoma, ocular surface disease, and uveitis.

This educational activity will review how to screen patients prone to inflammation-related complications post-cataract surgery, review the local ocular approaches to controlling cataract surgery-related inflammation, describe the local ocular approaches to controlling the inflammation of noninfectious uveitis, and discuss how to educate patients about the proper use of topical ophthalmic and anti-inflammatory agents.

Available until December 1, 2012.
Physicians: 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit^™
Nurses: 1.0 contact hour

This activity is sponsored by Quintiles Medical Education, Inc.

This activity is co-provided by Global Education Group and Quintiles Medical Education, Inc.