Uveitis Clinic
Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) are at increased risk for developing uveitis, an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, and the second leading cause of blindness in the U.S. Through a collaboration between our divisions of Pediatric Rheumatology and Pediatric Ophthalmology, we offer a uveitis clinic to provide ongoing monitoring and treatment for this condition.
Children with JIA should be examined regularly by an ophthalmologist for signs of uveitis, usually every 3 to 4 months. The uveitis clinic is located in our Vision Center, where our pediatric ophthalmologists have the specialized equipment needed for your child’s exam. A pediatric rheumatologist will meet with your family and examine your child during the same visit.
The uveitis clinic visit does not replace your child’s ongoing care with your rheumatologist, who will continue to treat your child’s JIA. All exam findings and your child’s plan of care in the uveitis clinic will be discussed with you and communicated to your primary rheumatologist, ophthalmologist and primary care physician.
While treatment for uveitis typically includes steroid eye drops or oral medications, our Vision Center is the only program in Ohio that provides an implantable steroid treatment for children.
This treatment is accomplished under general anesthesia, so your child remains totally comfortable while the tiny, rod-shaped implant is injected into the eye. As the implant dissolves, it slowly releases steroids to treat the inflammation. This implant eliminates the need for multiple eye drops every day and avoids some of the side effects associated with long-term steroid use.
