Introduction
At The Retina Clinic London, we are proud to offer the UK’s first private Uveitis Service, led by Professor William Ayliffe, a world-renowned expert in uveitis and immunology. Prof. Ayliffe is extensively published in the field and has pioneered many of the advancements in uveitis diagnosis and treatment.
Our unique approach ensures that patients finally receive a precise diagnosis rather than being told they simply have uveitis.Many individuals struggle with persistent inflammation, unclear diagnoses, or long-term steroid dependency. Our specialist service provides clarity, tailored treatment pathways, and long-term care to manage and resolve symptoms effectively.
With cutting-edge imaging, advanced diagnostic testing, and innovative treatment options, including steroid-sparing therapies, we are at the forefront of uveitis care in the UK. Professor Ayliffe’s service is backed by Professor Stanga, Founder and Chief Medical Officer of our clinic and the rest of the medical team. Together we are able to provide an unmatched level of expertise, research-driven care, and world-class facilities.
What is Uveitis?
Uveitis refers to inflammation inside the eye, affecting the uvea (iris, ciliary body, and choroid) and sometimes extending to the retina, optic nerve, and vitreous gel. If left untreated, it can lead to vision loss, glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal damage.
Patients with uveitis may experience:
- Redness and eye pain
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Floaters (dark spots in vision)
- Reduced or distorted vision
Uveitis can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) and is classified by the area of the eye affected:
- Anterior Uveitis: The most common form, affecting the front of the eye (iritis).
- Intermediate Uveitis: Involves the vitreous and the area behind the lens.
- Posterior Uveitis: Affects the retina and choroid at the back of the eye.
- Panuveitis: Involves inflammation throughout the entire eye, requiring complex management.
Why Choose The Retina Clinic London for Uveitis Diagnosis?
Many patients with uveitis are left without a clear diagnosis or an effective treatment plan. At The Retina Clinic London, we use the most advanced diagnostic techniques to accurately determine the cause of uveitis and tailor treatment plans to each individual.
Our Advanced Diagnostic Technology
- High-Resolution Macula Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Provides detailed cross-sectional images to assess inflammation and retinal changes.
- Ultrawidefield OCT and OCT Angiography: Captures the peripheral retina, detecting inflammation that may be missed with standard imaging alongside also visualising the vascular structure of the retina including any areas of loss of blood flow.
- Fluorescein and Indocyanine Green Angiography (FFA/ICG): Identifies inflammatory changes, blood vessel abnormalities, and retinal damage.
- Electroretinography (ERG): Evaluates retinal function in uveitis-related retinal diseases.
- Blood Testing: We perform specialist blood tests where required to investigate underlying autoimmune conditions, infections, or genetic factors contributing to uveitis.
By combining these cutting-edge diagnostic tools, we can identify the root cause of your inflammation and ensure a precise, personalised treatment approach.
Expert Treatment for Uveitis
At The Retina Clinic London, we offer a full range of medical and surgical treatments, including steroid-sparing therapies, providing relief for patients who have relied on long-term steroid treatments without success.
- Corticosteroids: Used in eye drops, oral medication, injections, or implants, but only where necessary.
- Immunosuppressive Therapy: For chronic, autoimmune-related uveitis as a steroid-sparing approach.
- Biologic Therapies: Targeted treatments that modulate the immune response, particularly for severe or resistant cases.
- Anti-VEGF Injections: To reduce macular oedema (retinal swelling) caused by inflammation.
- Antimicrobial Therapy: For uveitis caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
- Systemic Steroid Infusions: For severe cases, we can provide intravenous steroid therapy where required.
- Surgical Management of Uveitis: In rare cases, surgical intervention may be required, and we offer world-class surgical care to manage complications related to uveitis.
With our unique combination of advanced imaging, blood testing, and onsite treatment options, we offer the most comprehensive uveitis care available in the UK.
Specialist Uveitis Conditions We Treat
In addition to general uveitis, we specialise in diagnosing and treating rare and complex uveitic conditions. Below are just a few of the many we manage:
1. Birdshot Chorioretinopathy
A rare autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation in the retina and choroid, often affecting both eyes.
Diagnosis: OCT, FFA/ICG, and genetic testing (HLA-A29 marker).
Treatment: Steroid-sparing immunosuppressants and biologic therapies to control inflammation.
2. Punctate Inner Chorioretinopathy (PIC)
An inflammatory condition that causes small lesions in the retina, leading to distorted vision and blind spots.
Diagnosis: OCT, Fundus Autofluorescence (FAF), and FFA/ICG.
Treatment: Steroid-sparing therapies, anti-VEGF injections (if CNV develops), and immunosuppressants.
3. Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) Syndrome
A systemic autoimmune disease affecting the eyes, skin, and nervous system, leading to severe uveitis and retinal swelling.
Diagnosis: OCT, FFA/ICG, and blood testing.
Treatment: Steroid-sparing immunosuppressants, biologic therapies, and anti-VEGF injections.
The UK's Leading Private Uveitis Service
At The Retina Clinic London, we are proud to offer the UK’s first private Uveitis Service, led by Professor William Ayliffe, a leading expert in uveitis and immunology. His extensive research and contributions to the field have shaped modern uveitis management.
Our service is backed by Professor Paulo Stanga and his team of expert retinal specialists, ensuring world-class expertise, cutting-edge diagnostics, and a research-driven approach to uveitis care.
- The UK’s first dedicated private Uveitis Service
- Unmatched expertise from Professor Ayliffe, a leader in the field
- The most advanced imaging technology available in the UK
- Blood testing to investigate underlying causes
- Steroid-sparing treatment options for long-term management
- Surgical management where required
- Long-term follow-up and personalised care plans
Book an Appointment
If you have been diagnosed with uveitis or are experiencing eye inflammation, pain, or vision loss, contact us for expert diagnosis and advanced treatment options.
Call us on: +44 (0)20 4548 5310
Email us at: info@theretinacliniclondon.com