Iritis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

According to NHS, Iritis, also known as anterior uveitis, is a rare eye condition that causes inflammation inside part of the eye, and occurs mainly in the iris, the coloured area of the eye. Though it generally affects either of the eyes at a time, both eyes can also be affected by iritis simultaneously. Often, the causes of this inflammatory eye disease are hard to detect. If left untreated, iritis can also lead to severe loss of vision and even blindness. It is non-contagious and can last for weeks and even months, depending on the severity of the inflammation.

Signs and symptoms of iritis

The most common signs and symptoms of iritis include:

• Redness in the eye, especially around the iris
• Sensitivity to light
• Discomfort to severe pain in the eye
• Blurry and reduced vision
• Oddly shaped or unusually small pupil
• Watering of the eye
• Headache

What causes iritis?

The cause of iritis is often unknown. However, one-third of individuals who suffer from this eye condition are affected by inflammation in their other body parts, such as arthritis. Other factors that can cause uveitis are:

• Auto-immune diseases, such as ankylosing spondylitis, sarcoidosis and multiple sclerosis, wherein the immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy cells in the body, causing harm.
• A penetrating injury, blunt force trauma or a chemical or fire burn to the eyes.
• Viral infections on the face, such as herpes simplex virus (HSV), causing blisters or ulcers.
• Health problems, such as Kawasaki syndrome and leukaemia.
• Infection from fungi, bacteria, viruses and parasites.
• Reaction to certain medications, including drugs used for the treatment of HIV infections.

Complications of iritis

If not treated properly, iritis can further worsen leading to:

• Cataract: The clouding of the natural lens of the eye that can lead to distorted or hazy vision.
• Glaucoma: A serious eye condition caused by the build-up of fluid that is not drained through the gap between the iris and cornea.
• Band keratopathy: A chronic eye disease wherein the calcium deposits on the cornea lead to its deterioration and decreased vision.
• Swelling of the retina: Cysts filled with the fluid that develop at the back of the eye in the retina can decrease or blur the central vision.
• Synechiae: Scar tissue can cause the iris to stick to the cornea or lens, resulting in an asymmetrical pupil and delaying its response to light.

Treatment of iritis

The sooner the treatment for iritis begins, the easier it is to treat this eye condition The condition is usually treated at an eye emergency department as it is difficult to detect without special equipment. The eye specialist will most likely prescribe dilating eye drops to help enlarge the pupil, preventing the iris from sticking to the lens. These anti-inflammatory eye drops also help relieve discomfort or pain in the eye. In more severe cases, oral medications or corticosteroid injections may be necessary to effectively manage the inflammation. Timely and consistent treatment is crucial to prevent complications. Regular follow-ups with an eye specialist are essential to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed. Remember to always follow the advice given by your eye care professional and optician.

It is always a good idea to take care of your eye health. At Feel Good Contacts, you can shop for high-quality eye care essentials, including eye drops, eye supplements and more, at affordable prices, along with an extra first-order discount and seasonal offers.

Disclaimer: The advice in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical care or an in-person check-up. Please check with an eyecare professional before purchasing any products or remedies. For information on our article review process, please refer to our Editorial Policy.