Doctor's Notes on Iritis
Iritis is inflammation of iris, the circular-colored portion in the front area of the eye. Signs and symptoms of iritis often develop quickly. They include eye pain (usually only one eye), increased severity of pain when the eye is exposed to bright light, reddish sclera, blurry vision, small or irregularly shaped pupil, and/or increased tear production. Known causes of iritis are blunt trauma to the eye and infections (for example, Lyme disease, herpes, toxoplasmosis, syphilis, and tuberculosis [TB]). Iritis has been associated with irritable bowel disorder (IBD), sarcoidosis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and other systemic diseases. Often, no cause or associated cause is found.
What Is the Treatment for Iritis?
Iritis treatment is treated by first diagnosing the underlying cause, treating it, and then treating iritis, sometimes at the same time. For example, treat infections or systemic diseases associated with iritis (see above). The usual treatment of iritis consists of
- steroid eyedrops and
- dilating eyedrops.
- For more serious symptoms and signs or for no relief from eyedrops, oral steroids may be used.
Your doctor may refer you to an eye doctor.
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Eye Injuries
Eye injuries range from the very minor, such as getting soap in the eye, to the catastrophic, resulting in permanent loss of vision. Treatment of eye injuries depends on the nature of the injury. Prompt evaluation and treatment is necessary to protect vision. -
Eye Pain
Eye pain has many causes, signs, symptoms, and treatments. It's also described as pain behind the eye, eye socket pain, or shooting pain in the eye. Headaches and sinusitis can be causes of eye pain.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.