Iritis

Eye Diseases and Conditions Slideshow

• Iritis Overview
• Iritis Causes
• Iritis Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Questions to Ask the Doctor
• Exams and Tests
• Iritis Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Medications
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prognosis
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Iritis Overview

The iris is the circular, colored portion of the front of the eye with the dark pupil in the center.

The iris is made up of muscular fibers that control the amount of light entering the pupil so that we can see clearly. The iris accomplishes this task by making the pupil smaller in bright light and larger in dim light. The iris is the front part of the uveal tract of the eye (the iris in the front and the ciliary body and uveal tract behind it). In some people, the iris can become inflamed. This is termed iritis.

Inflammation of the front part of the eye is referred to as anterior uveitis or iritis, whereas inflammation behind this is known as posterior uveitis.