A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W

IRITIS

How does Iritis occur ?

Anterior uveitis/iritis is due to damage within the blood vessels of the iris. This damage is caused by the body's immune defence system which malfunctions. Blood vessels widen and substances from the serum of the blood can leak out. If severe, many cells and large quantities of protein collect in front of the iris. This causes cloudiness of the fluid behind the cornea of the eye. Posterior uveitis arises because of an unusual inflammation or a reaction against an infection in the eye. Cells leak from the choroid blood vessels into the gel of the eye. They can cause clouding of vision.

Why does Iritis occur ?

Anterior uveitis/iritis is often part of a widespread body illness. Various bacterial and viral infections including forms of gastroenteritis can lead to it. Some patients have ankylosing spondylitis (which is a type of arthritis of the lower back), or another arthritic condition called Reiter's syndrome. Posterior uveitis may occur with many underlying diseases. Sarcoidosis, a chronic widespread inflammation, is often a cause. There is usually some lung involvement. It normally affects younger women, especially of Negro race. Toxoplasmosis is an infection similar to malaria, but the cat is the animal carrier. It is sometimes present at birth or in early life. Other infections such as tuberculosis and are also possible causes. Patients with AIDS typically get a virus (cytomegalovinis CMV) uveitis and retinitis. They are more susceptible to the other infections as well.

Treatment Involved for Iritis

ANTERIOR UVEITIS/IRITIS Steroids (cortisol-like) anti-inflammatory eye drops and pupil-widening drops are prescribed. In severe cases, patients may need to come into hospital and have a steroid injection near the eye. Sometimes steroid tablets are given. POSTERIOR UVEITIS Several tests are done to decide which disease is present. Blood tests and a chest x-ray as well as skin tests may be performed. Obviously the exact treatment will depend on the nature and severity of the underlying condition. In sarcoidosis, steroid treatment by injection near the eye or by tablets is given if the vision is in any danger. Toxoplasmosis also needs a specific antibiotic. If tuberculosis is discovered, then full appropriate treatment is needed. The same goes for AIDS.

During Treatment for Iritis

Anterior uveitis/iritis improves over 2 or 3 weeks. A few visits to the specialist are normally sufficient. Posterior uveitis improves more slowly than anterior uveitis. Follow-up can go on for several weeks and vision is blurred, especially by the pupil-dilating drops used. Regular visits to the specialist are needed to judge any change in treatment. Any change in vision needs to be reported promptly.

After Treatment for Iritis

Anterior uveitis/iritis often recurs, especially with an underlying disease. Prolonged steroid treatment needs careful checking by the specialist. Cataract formation can complicate recurrent cases. Posterior uveitis is often chronic and recurrence is frequent.

If Iritis is Left Untreated

Mild cases of anterior uveitis would still improve, but severe cases would develop complications such as glaucoma and cataract. These patients could lose vision. Posterior uveitis would result in reduced vision, especially because of fluid swelling in the retina and scarring in the vitreous gel.