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Iritis is characterized by swelling and irritation (inflammation) of the colorful ring surrounding your pupil (iris). Irritation is also known as anterior uveitis.
The uvea is the layer of the eye that lies between the retina and the white part of the eye. The iris is placed in the anterior (front) region of the uvea.
The most prevalent kind of uveitis is iritis. Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea in part or in its entirety. The cause is frequently unknown. It can be caused by an underlying ailment or a genetic element.
Iritis, if left untreated, can develop to glaucoma or visual loss. If you have iritis symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF IRITIS?
Iritis can affect one or both eyes. It usually appears unexpectedly and can persist up to three months.
Iritis symptoms and signs include:
Redness of the eyes
Ache or discomfort in the affected eye
Light sensitivity
Reduced vision
Acute iritis is defined as iritis that develops suddenly over hours or days. Chronic iritis is defined by symptoms that appear gradually and linger for more than three months.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF IRITIS?
The reason of iritis is frequently unknown. Iriitis can be caused by eye damage, genetic factors, or specific diseases in some situations. Irritation can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Damage to the eye: Acute iritis can be caused by blunt force trauma, a penetrating injury, or a chemical or fire burn.
- Infections: Iriitis can be caused by viral infections on your face, such as cold sores and shingles caused by herpes viruses.
Uveitis can also be caused by infectious disorders caused by various viruses and bacteria. Toxoplasmosis, for example, is an infection caused by a parasite in undercooked food; histoplasmosis, a lung infection produced by inhaling fungal spores; TB, which develops when bacteria enter the lungs; and syphilis, which is caused by the spread of bacteria through sexual contact.
- Behcet's disease: This illness, which is an unusual cause of acute iritis in Western countries, is also characterized by joint issues, mouth ulcers, and genital sores.
- Genetic predisposition: Acute iritis can occur in people who develop certain autoimmune disorders as a result of a gene mutation that impairs their immune systems. Ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriatic arthritis are among the diseases.
- Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: Children with this disease may develop chronic iritis.
- Sarcoidosis: This autoimmune condition causes the accumulation of inflammatory cells in several parts of your body, including your eyes.
- Certain drugs: Some HIV medications, such as the antibiotic rifabutin (Mycobutin) and the antiviral pharmaceutical cidofovir, can produce iritis in rare cases. Bisphosphonates, which are used to treat osteoporosis, can occasionally cause uveitis. When these drugs are discontinued, the iritis symptoms normally disappear.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR IRITIS?
You are more likely to develop iritis if you:
- Have a specific genetic change: People who have a specific mutation in a gene that is required for proper immune system function are more prone to develop iritis. This mutation is known as HLA-B27.
- Develop a STI: Certain illnesses, such as syphilis or HIV/AIDS, have been related to an increased incidence of iritis.
- Have an autoimmune condition or a weakened immune system: Ankylosing spondylitis and reactive arthritis are examples of such disorders.
- Smoke tobacco: According to studies, smoking increases your risk.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF IRITIS?
Iris, if not treated appropriately, can lead to:
- Glaucoma: Recurrent iritis can lead to glaucoma, a dangerous eye disorder marked by increasing intraocular pressure and potential visual loss.
- Calcium deposits on the cornea: This causes corneal deterioration and may impair your eyesight.
- Swelling within the retina: Swelling and fluid-filled cysts that form in the retina in the rear of the eye can cause blurring or loss of central vision.
- Cataracts: A clouding of your eye's lens (cataract) is a possible hazard, especially if you've had a protracted time of inflammation.
- An irregular pupil: Scar tissue can cause the iris to adhere to the underlying lens or the cornea, causing the pupil to be irregular in form and the iris to react slowly to light.
HOW IS IRITIS DIAGNOSED?
Your eye doctor will do a comprehensive eye exam, which will include:
- External examination: Your doctor may examine your pupils with a penlight, evaluate the pattern of redness in one or both eyes, and search for evidence of discharge.
- Visual acuity: Your doctor will use an eye chart and other common tests to determine how keen your vision is.
- Slit-lamp exam: Your doctor examines the interior of your eye with a special microscope equipped with a light to look for evidence of iritis. Eyedrops dilate your pupil, allowing your doctor to see more of the inside of your eye.
If your eye doctor detects that a disease or condition is causing your iritis, he or she may collaborate with your primary care doctor to determine the root cause. In that instance, additional testing such as blood tests or X-rays may be performed to identify or rule out specific causes.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR IRITIS?
Iritis treatment aims to protect vision while also alleviating pain and inflammation. It is also vital to treat the underlying ailment if iritis is linked with it.
The following are the most common treatments for iritis:
- Steroid eyedrops: Inflammation is reduced by glucocorticoid medicines administered as eyedrops.
- Dilating eyedrops: Iritis can be relieved by using eyedrops to dilate your pupils. Dilating eyedrops also keep you from acquiring issues that interfere with the function of your pupil.
If your symptoms do not improve or appear to worsen, your eye doctor may prescribe oral drugs containing steroids or other anti-inflammatory agents, depending on the severity of your illness.