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Iridocyclitis, also known as uveitis or iritis, is inflammation of the iris and ciliary body of the eye. It can be caused by exposure to chemicals, autoimmune disorders, or infections. Symptoms include redness, sensitivity to light, and impaired vision. Treatment involves reducing pain and inflammation with medication. Chronic iridocyclitis can occur in people with autoimmune disorders, such as lupus and arthritis, and can lead to complications such as cataracts and blindness. Children with juvenile arthritis are particularly at risk.
Iridocyclitis is inflammation of the iris and ciliary body of the eye. The iris is the colored part of the eye. The ciliary body is the group of muscles and tissues that make the eye fluid and control movement that helps the eye focus. This condition is also known as uvetitis and iritis. It can be caused by exposure of the eye to certain chemicals, various autoimmune disorders or it can be a symptom of other infections such as toxoplasmosis, syphilis and herpes.
Uveitis is a broad category and is characterized by inflammation of the entire eye or parts of the eye. This condition typically affects only the front of the eye. An immune response to allergens or chemical irritants can cause acute iridocyclitis.
Nearly half of all cases classified as acute iridocyclitis are not associated with other underlying medical problems. Such cases can appear suddenly and usually last no longer than six weeks. If there is another existing condition, such as an infectious or autoimmune disease, that disease needs to be treated to prevent recurrence or chronic iridocyclitis.
The condition is usually characterized by redness of the eye. While this discoloration is a symptom, the eye often isn’t as red as it might be in someone with a common condition like conjunctivitis or pink eye. The patient may also be very sensitive to light or experience photophobia or fear of light. The eyes may water profusely and vision may become impaired or decrease dramatically. Sometimes only one eye is affected, but shining a light into the apparently unaffected eye can produce pain in the sore eye.
Patients are often referred to an ophthalmologist by a doctor to accurately diagnose the condition. If treatment is not sought, complications can result, such as cataracts, glaucoma, permanent vision damage, and even blindness. It is important for your doctor to determine the root cause of your uveitis, as the cause may dictate treatment. It is usually treated with medications that reduce pain and inflammation.
An immune disorder is often characterized as a condition that causes the body’s immune system to attack its own tissues. People with autoimmune disorders, such as lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile arthritis, can develop chronic iridocyclitis. This occurs because these diseases can affect the lining that covers the eye and other associated tissue.
Children with juvenile arthritis are particularly at risk for chronic iridocyclitis. Arthritis affects the joints and the tissue that lines them. People with arthritis usually experience swelling, stiffness, and irritation in these tissues. This disease can spread throughout the body, and when it does, it can affect other parts of the body, such as the eyes.
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