“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Iritis, also known as anterior uveitis, is an inflammatory condition that affects the iris (the colored part of the eye) and the surrounding tissues. It is the most common type of uveitis, which is a group of inflammatory diseases that affect the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid.
Iritis can affect individuals of any age, although it is most commonly seen in adults between the ages of 20 and 50. It is slightly more common in women than men. The exact cause of iritis is often unknown, but it is thought to be an autoimmune disorder, in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy tissues of the eye.
Symptoms of iritis can include:
Diagnosis of iritis is based on a thorough eye examination, which may include a slit-lamp examination, in which a special microscope is used to examine the eye's structures in detail. Treatment typically involves the use of corticosteroid eye drops to reduce inflammation, as well as dilating eye drops to prevent the pupil from contracting and causing pain.
Untreated iritis can lead to complications, including glaucoma (a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss) and cataracts (clouding of the eye's natural lens). It is important to seek prompt medical attention if you experience symptoms of iritis or any other eye condition.