Iritis
Medical Author:
Frank J. Weinstock, MD, FACS
Frank J. Weinstock, MD, FACSDr. Weinstock is a board-certified ophthalmologist. He practices general ophthalmology in Canton, Ohio, with a special interest in contact lenses. He holds faculty positions of Professor of Ophthalmology at the Northeastern Ohio Colleges of Medicine and Affiliate Clinical Professor in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science at Florida Atlantic University. Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Iritis OverviewThe 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. Viewer Comments & ReviewsIritis - SymptomsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What were the symptoms of you iritis? |
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Iritis
Eye Injuries Overview
Eye injuries can range from the very minor, such as getting soap in your eye, to the catastrophic, resulting in permanent loss of vision or loss of the eye. They often occur in the workplace, at home, in other accidents, or while participating in sports.
Eye Injuries Causes
- Chemical exposures and burns: A chemical burn can occur in a number of ways but is most often the result of a liquid splashing into the eye. Many chemicals, such as soap, sunscreen, and even tear gas, are primarily irritants to the eye and do not usually cause permanent damage. However, acids and alkalis are highly caustic and may cause severe and permanent damage to the ocular surface.
- Acids (such as sulfuric acid found in car batteries) or alkalis (such as lye found in drain cleaner and ammonia) can splash into the eyes.
- Rubbing the eye can transfer chemicals from the skin ...
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Iritis and Uveitis »
Uveitis is defined as inflammation of one or all parts of the uveal tract.
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