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Iritis, also known as anterior uveitis, is an inflammation of the iris, the colored portion of the eye. The iris is located at the front of the uvea, a highly vascular fibrous tissue. Iritis is the more common form of uveitis and frequently manifests in young to middle-aged individuals. Iritis usually develops quickly and may only affect one eye.
The causes of iritis are unknown, but it is known to be caused by some of the following:
The symptoms of iritis usually develop quickly and unexpectedly, although in some individuals, they form slowly. Distinguishing symptoms of iritis may include:
Iritis is diagnosed after a physical examination of the eye has taken place. To confirm diagnosis, the doctor may perform the following tests:
When light is focused on the eyes, the eye with iritis will experience pain due to constriction of the pupil.
To treat iritis, the patient will be encouraged to wear dark glasses and take drops to dilate the pupil to relieve pain and pressure. Serious cases of iritis may require an extended use of steroid eye drops as well as oral steroids to suppress the immune system. Iritis that results from an underlying condition such as herpes, AIDS, or syphilis will see improvement in the eye and iris once the disease is treated; otherwise, iritis may become a chronic condition.
