What is Iritis / Uveitis?
Iritis (anterior uveitis) is inflammation of the iris and ciliary body or the front of the eye, causing eye redness, pain, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Uveitis is a broader term for inflammation of the uvea (iris, ciliary body, and choroid) and can affect any part of the eye. If untreated, it can lead to complications such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular edema, retinal detachment, and vision loss.
Causes and risk factors
- Autoimmune diseases: Such as ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, sarcoidosis, and Behçet’s disease.
- Infections: Including herpes viruses, toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, syphilis, and HIV.
- Idiopathic: In many cases, no identifiable cause is found.
- Genetic factors: Certain genetic markers, such as HLA-B27, can increase risk.
Symptoms
- Eye redness
- Eye pain
- Light sensitivity (photophobia)
- Blurred vision
- Floaters
- Tearing
- Headache
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves a comprehensive eye exam and may include:
- Slit-lamp exam: To identify inflammation in the front of the eye.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT): To detect swelling in the retina or macula.
- Fluorescein angiography: To assess inflammation in the retina and choroid.
- Laboratory tests: To help identify infectious or autoimmune causes.
Treatment options
- Topical corticosteroids: First-line treatment for anterior uveitis.
- Systemic corticosteroids: For more severe or posterior uveitis.
- Immunosuppressive agents: Such as methotrexate, azathioprine, or mycophenolate mofetil for chronic or refractory cases.
- Biologic therapy: TNF inhibitors (such as adalimumab or infliximab) for severe or systemic disease.
- Antimicrobial therapy: For infectious causes of uveitis.
Prognosis and complications
With prompt treatment, the prognosis is generally good, but complications can occur, including:
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Macular edema
- Retinal detachment
- Optic nerve damage
- Vision loss
Our approach
We provide comprehensive, individualized care, including advanced imaging, targeted therapy, and collaboration with other specialists when needed. Our goal is to control inflammation, prevent recurrence, and preserve your vision.
Patient Resources
If you have additional questions or need support, please contact our office. We are here to help you every step of the way.