iritis

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

---

serous iritis  iritis with a serous exudate.

---

i·ri·tis (-rts)

n.

Inflammation of the iris.

---

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.

---

iritis [i-ri´tis]

inflammation of the iris; it may be acute, occurring suddenly with pronounced symptoms, or chronic, with less severe but longer-lasting symptoms. adj., adj irit´ic.

Cause. The cause is often obscure; iritis is frequently associated with rheumatic diseases (particularly rheumatoid arthritis), diabetes mellitus, syphilis, diseased teeth, tonsillitis, and other infections. It may also be caused by trauma.

Symptoms. Iritis is characterized by severe pain, usually radiating to the forehead and becoming worse at night. The eye is usually red and the pupil contracts and may be irregular in shape; there is extreme sensitivity to light, together with blurring of vision and tenderness of the eyeball. The iris becomes swollen and discolored. If not treated promptly, iritis can be dangerous because of scarring and adhesions that may cause impaired vision and possibly blindness.

Treatment. Caring for iritis calls for treatment of the underlying cause and then dilation of the pupil with atropine drops to prevent scarring or adhesions. Certain steroid drugs may be used to reduce the inflammation quickly. Warm compresses may also help to lessen the inflammation and pain. A protective covering allows the eye to rest.

With proper treatment, acute iritis usually clears up fairly quickly, although it may recur. For permanent relief, elimination or control of the underlying cause is necessary.

serous iritis iritis with a serous exudate.

---

iritis

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

---

serous iritis

iritis with a serous exudate.

---

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.