What Is Iritis?
Iritis is inflammation of your iris, the colored part of your eye. It’s also called anterior uveitis. Your iris is made up of muscular fibers that control how much light enters your pupil, the opening in the center, so you can see clearly. It makes your pupil smaller in bright light and larger in dim light. Iritis can cause serious problems, including vision loss. See your doctor as soon as possible if you have eye pain, redness, or blurry vision.
Iritis Symptoms
Iritis usually comes on quickly and most often affects only one eye. Signs and symptoms may include:
- Pain in your eye or brow area
- Severe eye pain in bright light
- Redness, especially around your iris
- An unusually small or strangely shaped pupil
- Blurry vision or vision loss
- Headache
Iritis Causes and Risk Factors
In most cases, doctors don’t know what causes iritis. Sometimes, it’s tied to eye trauma or other health conditions. Causes of iritis may include:
- Injury from burns, punctures, or strikes with a blunt object
- Conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter syndrome, sarcoidosis, inflammatory bowel disease, Behcet’s disease, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis
- Infections from bacteria and viruses, including Lyme disease, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, syphilis, herpes simplex, and herpes zoster
- Infections with parasites, such as toxoplasmosis
- Infections from a fungus, such as histoplasmosis
- Reactions to medications
You might be more likely to get iritis if you smoke tobacco or if you have certain genetic disorders.

Tests for Iritis
To diagnose iritis (inflammation of the iris), an eye specialist will perform several tests to assess the condition and identify any underlying causes:
- Slit-Lamp Examination:
A slit-lamp is a specialized microscope that allows the doctor to examine the front and inside of the eye in detail. This test helps detect inflammation, cells, and protein in the eye (signs of iritis). - Intraocular Pressure Test:
Iritis can sometimes cause increased pressure inside the eye, which may lead to glaucoma. This test measures the pressure to ensure it is within normal ranges. - Pupil Response Test:
The doctor will check how your pupils react to light. Iritis often causes the pupils to react poorly or unevenly to light. - Blood Tests:
If an autoimmune condition or infection is suspected as the cause, blood tests may be performed to detect systemic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or infections such as tuberculosis. - Imaging Tests:
In some cases, imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans may be necessary to evaluate the presence of underlying conditions, such as sarcoidosis or ankylosing spondylitis.
Accurate testing at LJ Eye Institute Ambala helps ensure effective treatment and management of iritis.
Iritis Exams and Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and your medical history, including whether you have a condition that can cause iritis. They’ll also do exams including:
- A visual acuity test. You might read an eye chart to check your vision.
- Pressure readings. Your doctor will measure the pressure inside your eye with a special device.
- Penlight and slit lamp exams. A small beam of light can give your doctor a good look at your eye. A slit lamp uses a magnifying lens to show more detail. You might get drops to dilate (widen) your pupil first.
If your doctor suspects that another health problem is causing your iritis, they might order blood tests, imaging tests, or tests of the fluid inside your eye.
Treatment of Iritis
Iritis, or inflammation of the iris, requires prompt treatment to prevent complications like vision loss. The treatment options include:
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Corticosteroid Eye Drops: Used to reduce inflammation in the eye. These are often the first line of treatment.
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Dilating Eye Drops: These help reduce pain by relaxing the iris and prevent complications like posterior synechiae (adhesion of the iris to the lens).
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Oral Steroids: For more severe cases, oral corticosteroids may be prescribed to control inflammation.
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Immunosuppressive Drugs: If iritis is linked to an autoimmune disorder, medications to suppress the immune system may be required.
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Antibiotics or Antivirals: If an infection is causing iritis, appropriate antibiotics or antivirals will be prescribed.
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Regular Monitoring: Follow-up visits are essential to monitor healing and adjust treatment as needed.
Early and effective treatment at LJ Eye Institute Ambala can prevent complications and ensure optimal eye health.
Iritis Complications
Without treatment, iritis may cause complications that can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness. These include:
- Clouded lens (cataract)
- High pressure in your eye (glaucoma)
- Scar tissue causing your iris to stick to your lens or cornea (synechiae)
- Inflammation of the vitreous gel inside your eye (vitritis) or of your retina (retinitis)
- Swelling in the back of your eye (macular edema)
- Optic nerve damage
- Calcium buildup on your cornea (band keratopathy)
Why Choose LJ Eye Institute Ambala for Iritis Treatment?
LJ Eye Institute (LJEI) Ambala is a top choice for treating iritis due to its expert care and advanced technology. Here’s why:
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Experienced Specialists: LJEI has a team of renowned ophthalmologists experienced in treating iritis and related eye conditions. Their expertise ensures precise diagnosis and effective treatment.
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Advanced Diagnostic Tools: The institute is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including slit-lamp examinations and advanced imaging, to accurately diagnose and manage iritis.
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Comprehensive Treatment: LJEI offers a range of treatments, from corticosteroid eye drops to more advanced therapies, ensuring personalized care for every patient.
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Patient-Centered Care: LJEI focuses on patient comfort and satisfaction, providing compassionate care tailored to individual needs, ensuring the best outcomes for iritis treatment.
For expert, personalized treatment of iritis, LJ Eye Institute Ambala is the trusted choice.