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IRITIS

DEFINITION OF IRITIS

Iritis, also known as anterior uveitis, is the inflammation of the iris, the colored part of the eye. It is a serious eye condition that can lead to pain, redness, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. If left untreated, iritis can cause complications such as glaucoma, cataracts, and permanent vision damage.

RISK FACTORS OF IRITIS

  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Infections
  • Eye injuries or trauma
  • Excess Pitta (Heat & inflammation)
  • Exposure to toxins or chemicals

SYMPTOMS

 

  • Often described as a deep, aching pain.

  • Worsens with light exposure (photophobia) or eye movement.

  • May radiate to the brow or temple on the affected side.

        • Bright light causes discomfort or sharp pain.

        • Common due to irritation of the inflamed iris muscles that control pupil size.

          • Most prominent around the cornea (called ciliary flush or limbal injection).

          • Less diffuse than conjunctivitis.

          • Red ring around the iris is a classic finding.

        • Inflammation can cloud the aqueous humor or cause irregularities in the cornea and lens.

        • Vision may seem foggy or dim.

      • The affected pupil may:

        • Be smaller than the other (miosis)

        • React sluggishly to light

        • Appear irregular due to posterior synechiae (adhesion between iris and lens)

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TREATMENT TYPES

 Reduce inflammation in the iris and anterior chamber

    • Dilate pupil to prevent posterior synechiae (adhesions between iris and lens)

    • Reduce pain from ciliary muscle spasms

    • Help stabilize the blood-aqueous barrier

    • Inflammation is not controlled with topical drops

    • There's posterior involvement or risk of complications

            • Used when iritis is associated with autoimmune diseases like:

              • Ankylosing spondylitis

              • Sarcoidosis

              • Behçet’s disease

              • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

  • Infectious: Antiviral, antibacterial, or antifungal medications may be added (e.g., for herpes or TB-related uveitis)

  • Autoimmune: Refer to rheumatologist or internist for systemic evaluation and treatment

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FAQS

Iritis is inflammation of the iris, the colored part of your eye. It’s a form of anterior uveitis, which affects the front part of the eye. It can be painful and potentially vision-threatening if not treated promptly.

 

Iritis can result from:

  • Autoimmune diseases (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis)

  • Infections (e.g., herpes, tuberculosis, syphilis)

  • Eye injuries (trauma, surgery)

  • Idiopathic causes (unknown; most common)

  • Systemic inflammatory conditions (like sarcoidosis or Crohn’s disease)

  • Eye pain

  • Redness (especially around the iris)

  • Sensitivity to light (photophobia)

  • Blurred vision

  • Floaters

  • Small or irregular pupil

  • Excessive tearing (but not discharge)

An ophthalmologist will:

  • Perform a slit lamp examination

  • Check your pupil response

  • Assess inflammation in the anterior chamber

  • Look for signs like posterior synechiae, cells and flare, and iris irregularity

No, iritis is not contagious, though infections that trigger it (e.g., herpes) might be.

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