MyMediktor - Iritis - Anterior uveitis

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Iritis or anterior uveitis is the inflammation of the frontal part of the uvea that includes the coloured part of the eye called the iris.

It is often due to systemic diseases, particularly autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, etc.), infections or exposure to toxins.

It manifests as eye pain, redness, blurred vision, perception of patches in the field of vision and sensitivity to light.

Diagnosis is reached through clinical history and an eye examination with a slit lamp.

Treatment will depend on the cause, and is based on corticosteroids and pupil dilators when it is not caused by an infection, and on antibiotics when it is.

Bibliographic references

James T Rosenbaum. Uveitis: Etiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis. UpToDate, Apr14, 2016.
James T Rosenbaum. Uveitis: Treatment. UpToDate, Aug 03, 2016.
Rothova A, Buitenhuis HJ, Meenken C, et al. Uveitis and systemic disease. Br J Ophthalmol 1992; 76:137.
Yeh S, Forooghian F, Suhler EB. Implications of the Pacific Ocular Inflammation uveitis epidemiology study. JAMA 2014; 311:1912.

Author

Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol

Copyright

Symptoms

Redness in only one eye

Bothered by light

Red eye due to blood vessels

Sudden loss of sight

Total vision loss

Symptoms to watch out for

Loss of vision

Pain that doesn't subside with analgesics

History of immunodeficiency (HIV, diabetes mellitus, oncological disorders, long-term corticosteroid consumption).

Self-care

Avoid rubbing the eyes.

Use sunglasses.

Consume over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.

Check with your general practitioner about the prescription for antibiotics.

Check with your general practitioner for glucocorticoid eyewashes.