INFO

-Iritis-

What is Iritis?

Iritis, also known as Uveitis, is the inflammation of the iris.  The iris is the colored portion of the eye.

What causes Iritis?

            In the majority of cases there is no specific cause.   Occasionally, iritis is just on symptom of a disease that affects other organ systems.  These are diseases of the connective tissue/autoimmune diseases.  These diseases include: rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoid, lupus, scleroderma, anklylosing spondylitis, Chrohn’s disease, Behcet’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.  Sometimes, it is necessary to establish whether iritis is a manifestation (symptom) of one of these diseases or some other underlying disease.  The doctor may ask you for a detailed health history, and may order a series of tests including several possible blood tests, a chest x-ray, x-rays of the lower back and possibly a skin test for tuberculosis.

            While iritis sometimes occurs only once, most cases are recurring.  Once treated the attack will usually respond to various medications.  However, the condition may become sight threatening if left untreated.

What are the symptoms of iritis?

            Symptoms of iritis usually appear suddenly and develop rapidly over a few hours or days.  Iritis causes:

·        Pain

·        Tearing

·        Photophobia (sensitivity to light)

·        Blurred vision

·        Redness of the sclera (the white part of the eye) can often occur. 

·        Some sufferers experience floaters (small specks or dots moving in their vision). 

·        Also, in some people the pupil may become smaller in the affected eye.

How is iritis treated?

            The treatment of iritis may consist of the use of a Corticosteroid eye drop and possibly a dilating eye drop.  The steroid drop is used to suppress the inflammation.  Initial treatment is often very frequent (some times as often as every hour while awake) until the inflammation is suppressed.  Treatment is tapered slowly in order to prevent a rebound effect, which might happen if steroid treatment is suddenly stopped.  The dilating drop is used in order to move the pupil and prevent scarring of the iris and the lens.

            Occasionally iritis may be so severe that it will not respond to the steroid drops and the ointment.  In this case the doctor may use injections of steroids along with the continue use of the drops and ointment. 

            To minimize any vision loss, a complete eye exam should be preformed as soon as any symptoms occur.  If diagnosed in the early stages, iritis can usually be controlled with the use of eye drops before vision loss occurs.  If are experiencing the symptoms of iritis or if you have other vision problem, you should see your Ophthalmologist (Eye MD) as soon as possible.