Iritis

Iritis is the inflammation of the iris.

If this is associated with inflammation of the choroid, it is called as uveitis (pronounced as you-v-i-tis). Many times retina also gets infected, termed as chorio-retinitis (Pronounced as ko-rio -retinitis).

Causes

	Infections like Tuberculosis, Leprosy, Herpes virus infection, AIDS, Toxoplasmosis etc.
	Non- infectious causes like eye injury, Sarcoidoisis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis etc.

How do I know it is Iritis?

Besides redness, there will be pain in the eye, watering, photophobia (inability to withstand day-light), decreased vision. This tells you that it is not likely to be just Conjunctivitis. To distinguish it from glaucoma, you will have to go to an eye-doctor and get your eye examined. He will take the eye pressure, examine you on the slit-lamp and then will make the diagnosis.

Management

Tests are required to know the cause so, treatment can be given accordingly.

Blood tests, skin tests, X-ray Chest may be done.

Treatment

Steroid eye drops

Any inflammation in the eye will cause scarring, which will hamper vision. To avoid this, the inflammation has to be urgently controlled.

Steroids are very effective and vision saving eye drops and have to be used only under supervision and as specified by the doctor. Their prolonged use can lead to cataract and glaucoma.

Sometimes, steroid tablets or eye injections may be used.

Cycloplegics

These are the drugs that relax the accommodation and dilate the pupils. They also decrease the pain.

Antibiotic eye drops may also be given.

Specific drugs to treat any other problem, if diagnosed may also be needed.

Follow up is necessary.