Iritis, or anterior uveitis, is inflammation of the iris and the front of the eye. It is often linked to autoimmune diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis and needs prompt treatment to protect vision.
Key symptoms
- Aching eye pain, often on one side
- Marked sensitivity to light
- Redness and blurred vision
- Little or no discharge
What you find on exam
- Redness around the edge of the cornea (ciliary flush)
- Small or irregular pupil that reacts slowly
- Pain in the affected eye when light is shone into the other eye
- Slit lamp: cells and flare in the anterior chamber
Tests
- Slit lamp exam by ophthalmology
- HLA-B27 and spine X-rays if back pain suggests spondyloarthritis
- Tests for syphilis, tuberculosis and sarcoidosis if recurrent or in both eyes
Treatment basics
- Steroid drops such as prednisolone acetate, started by ophthalmology
- Cycloplegic drops such as cyclopentolate for pain and to prevent adhesions
- Treat the underlying disease
- Check eye pressure regularly while on steroid drops
Red flags
- Drop in vision
- High eye pressure or a hazy cornea
- Severe symptoms in a contact lens wearer or after eye surgery (possible infection)
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Sources: NCCPA PANCE Content Blueprint; NBOME COMLEX-USA clinical presentations. Written by Making Synapses. Making Synapses is not affiliated with these organizations.