Iritis: Diagnosis and Modern Treatment of Inflammation of Iritis
What is Iritis?;
Iritis is the inflammation of the iris, the coloured part of the eye. Although the causes are often unknown (idiopathic), it may be associated with systemic diseases of the body, infections, previous eye surgery or trauma. It may occur in one or both eyes and often takes a chronic or recurrent form.
Clinical Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made by examination in the slit lamp. The ophthalmologist detects inflammatory cells («pyospheres») floating in the aqueous humour, which are a clear indication of active inflammation. At the same time, a complete check of the inside of the eye is carried out to see if the inflammation has spread to adjacent structures.
What are the main symptoms?;
Intense redness of the eye (redness).
Eye pain or persistent headache.
High sensitivity to light (photophobia).
Tears.
Small or deformed pupil in relation to the other eye.
Therapeutic Protocol
Treatment aims to control inflammation and avoid scarring (sequelae):
Steroid & Antimicrobial eye drops: To suppress the inflammatory response.
Mydriatic drops: They dilate the pupil, relaxing the sphincter muscle of the iris, providing immediate pain relief and preventing adhesions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is iritis contagious?;
No, iritis is not contagious. It is an internal inflammation of the eye and not an external infection like common conjunctivitis.
Why did the doctor give me drops that make the daughter grow?;
These drops (mydriatics) are necessary for two reasons: firstly, they stop the painful spasm of the iris muscle and secondly, they prevent the iris from “sticking” to the lens of the eye (adhesions), which could cause glaucoma.
Can iritis recur?;
Yes, in some people iritis is a chronic or recurrent condition. If you have a history of iritis, you should visit your doctor at the first suspicion of discomfort.
Is iritis associated with other diseases of the body?;
In some cases, yes. Iritis may be a sign of other health problems, such as autoimmune diseases (e.g. arthritis), infections or inflammatory bowel disease. Your doctor may recommend general blood tests.
What if I neglect the treatment?;
Prolonged inflammation can lead to scarring (permanent scarring), cataracts, glaucoma or swelling in the macula, causing a permanent reduction in vision.
How long does the treatment usually last?;
The treatment usually lasts a few weeks. It is extremely important not to stop the drops abruptly once you feel better, but to follow the tapering schedule given to you by your eye doctor.