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Anterior Uveitis (Iritis)

Inflammation of the iris and ciliary body causing painful red eye and photophobia.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Göz Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Anterior Uveitis (Iritis)?

Anterior uveitis (iritis or iridocyclitis) is inflammation of the iris and ciliary body, the front portion of the uveal tract. It accounts for the majority of uveitis cases and may be acute, recurrent or chronic. The hallmark sign on slit-lamp examination is anterior chamber cells and flare, with possible keratic precipitates on the corneal endothelium.

Causes are idiopathic in 50% but include HLA-B27 associated conditions (ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease), juvenile idiopathic arthritis, sarcoidosis, herpes simplex/zoster, syphilis, tuberculosis and trauma. Untreated disease causes posterior synechiae, cataract, glaucoma and cystoid macular edema.

Symptoms

Painful red eye with circumlimbal injection
Photophobia (light sensitivity)
Blurred vision
Excessive tearing
Small irregular pupil due to synechiae
Constricted pupil with sluggish reaction
Decreased visual acuity in severe cases

Risk Factors

HLA-B27 positivity
Ankylosing spondylitis and spondyloarthropathies
Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn, ulcerative colitis)
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Sarcoidosis and Behcet disease
Herpes simplex/zoster ophthalmicus
Syphilis, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis
Recent ocular trauma or surgery

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Sudden painful red eye with photophobia
  • Blurred vision with eye pain
  • Recurrent episodes of red eye
  • Eye pain with known autoimmune disease
  • Decreased vision after trauma
  • Persistent symptoms despite over-the-counter drops

Treatment Methods

01
Slit-lamp examination for cells, flare and keratic precipitates
02
Intraocular pressure measurement
03
Dilated fundus examination to rule out posterior involvement
04
Topical corticosteroids (prednisolone acetate 1%) hourly initially
05
Cycloplegic agents (cyclopentolate, atropine) to break synechiae
06
Systemic workup for underlying systemic disease
07
HLA-B27, chest X-ray, syphilis serology, tuberculosis testing
08
Periocular or systemic corticosteroids in severe cases
09
Immunomodulatory therapy (methotrexate, biologics) for chronic disease

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Göz Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Göz Hastalıkları Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.