Uveitis

Anterior uveitis (also called Iritis) is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, which includes the iris (colored part of the eye) and adjacent tissue, known as the ciliary body. If untreated, it can cause permanent damage and loss of vision from the development of glaucoma, cataract or retinal edema. It usually responds well to treatment; however, there may be a tendency for the condition to recur. Treatment usually includes prescription steroid eye drops in combination with anti-inflammatory drugs. Treatment usually takes several days, or up to several weeks, in some cases.

Anterior uveitis can occur as a result of trauma to the eye, such as a blow or foreign body penetrating the eye. It can also be a complication of other eye disease, or it may be associated with general health problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, sarcoidosis, skin conditions, Crohn’s disease, or other autoimmune disorders. In most cases, there is no obvious underlying cause.

Signs/symptoms may include a red, sore and inflamed eye, blurring of vision, sensitivity to light and a small pupil. Because the symptoms of anterior uveitis are similar to those of other eye diseases, we will carefully examine the inside of your eye, under bright light and high magnification, to determine the presence and severity of the condition. We may also order blood tests, a chest x-ray, or other diagnostic tests to help determine if there is an underlying condition associated with the iritis.

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