iritis

iritis /iri·tis/ (i-ri´tis) inflammation of the iris.irit´ic

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serous iritis  iritis with a serous exudate.

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i·ri·tis (-rts)

n.

Inflammation of the iris.

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iritis

[īrī′tis]

Etymology: Gk, iris + itis

an inflammatory condition of the iris of the eye characterized by pain, lacrimation, photophobia, and, if severe, diminished visual acuity. On ophthalmic examination the eye looks cloudy, the iris bulges, and the pupil is contracted. The underlying cause is treated if identified, but the condition is most often idiopathic. The pupil is dilated, usually with atropine, and a corticosteroid may be prescribed to reduce inflammation. If the inflammation is allowed to continue and the pupil is left constricted, permanent scarring may occur, causing an opacity over the lens and diminished vision.

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iritis

inflammation of the iris. The condition may be acute, occurring suddenly with pronounced signs, or chronic, with less severe but longer-lasting signs.

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serous iritis

iritis with a serous exudate.

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iritis

Inflammation of the iris. The acute form is usually characterized by pain, photophobia, ciliary injection, exudates in the anterior chamber (aqueous flare), keratic precipitates, oedema, constricted and sluggish pupil, discoloration of the iris, posterior synechia, lacrimation and loss of vision. In some cases there may be hypopyon and an increase in intraocular pressure due to blocking of the angle of the anterior chamber. Iritis is most often associated with cyclitis (anterior uveitis). The majority of cases are idiopathic or the result of trauma or medication. Treatment includes mydriatics (to prevent synechia) and topical corticosteroid drops. It is essential to differentiate acute iritis from angle-closure glaucoma because of the possible harm of using a mydriatic in the latter. See iridocyclitis; photophobia; Fuchs' syndrome; uveitis.