Iritis

Also known as: uveitis.

What is iritis?

The uvea is the middle layer of the eye that supplies blood and nourishment to the eye. It is made up of 3 parts: the iris (the colored part of the eye), the ciliary body and the choroid. Uveitis refers to the serious inflammation or swelling of this layer. When uveitis occurs near the front of the uvea, (anterior uveitis) the iris alone (iritis, the most common form of uveitis) or the iris and choroid are inflamed.

What causes iritis?

Iritis can occur after an injury, an infection, part of an autoimmune disease or be associated with a number of other medical conditions.

What are the signs/symptoms of iritis?

One or both eyes may be affected. Signs/symptoms include: pain, red eye, swelling, light sensitivity, blurry and/or decreased vision, headache and/or an irregularly shaped pupil.

What are iritis care options?

Usually an Ophthalmologist and other pediatric subspecialists are required to optimize treatment which should be undertaken as soon as possible. Potential treatments include corticosteroid eye drops (or by mouth or eye injection). Depending on the cause, other medications and surgery may be necessary.

Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: September 06, 2019 11:20 AM