Uveitis is redness and swelling of the middle layer of the eyeball (uvea). There are three types of uveitis based on the part of the eye that is affected. It can cause pain, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light.
It is treated with medicine. Some people turn to natural therapies to further ease symptoms. They must be used with standard treatment.
Natural Therapies
May Be Effective
- Curcumin (Turmeric) is the active ingredient in turmeric, a spice. It may ease recurrent or chronic uveitis. A1-A2
- Vitamin C and Vitamin E may ease acute uveitis. B1, B2
Not Enough Data to Assess
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Herbs and Supplements to Be Used With Caution
Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.
References
Curcumin
REFA1 Lal B, Kapoor AK, et al. Efficacy of curcumin in the management of chronic anterior uveitis. Phytother Res. 1999;13(4):318-322.
REFA2 Allegri P, Mastromarino A, et al. Management of chronic anterior uveitis relapses: efficacy of oral phospholipidic curcumin treatment. Long-term follow-up. Clin Ophthalmol. 2010;4:1201-1206.
Vitamins C, E
REFB1 van Rooij J, Schwartzenberg SG, et al. Oral vitamins C and E as additional treatment in patients with acute anterior uveitis: a randomised double masked study in 145 patients. Br J Ophthalmol. 1999;83(11):1277-1282.
REFB2 Nussenblatt RB, Kim J, et al. Vitamin E in the treatment of uveitis-associated macular edema. Am J Ophthalmol. 2006 Jan;141(1):193-194.
Echinacea
REFC1 Neri PG, Stagni E, et al. Oral Echinacea purpurea extract in low-grade, steroid-dependent, autoimmune idiopathic uveitis: a pilot study. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2006 Dec;22(6):431-436.