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Iritis (also known as iridocyclitis or uveitis) is inflammation of the pigmented inside lining of the eye (uvea), iris, or both.
Iritis can develop after blunt eye trauma or a chemical burn, typically within 3 days. However, iritis can also develop without injury.
Symptoms may include tearing, redness of the eye, and a painful ache in the eye. Usually people have some blurred vision or pain when exposed to bright light (photophobia).
A doctor bases the diagnosis on the person's history, symptoms, and the results of a slit lamp examination (see Diagnosis of Eye Disorders: Slit-Lamp Examination) .
Iritis is treated by instilling into the eye a drug that dilates the pupil. The drug relaxes the muscles of the colored part of the eye (iris), which spasm painfully. These drugs are called cycloplegics and include cyclopentolate and homatropine. Corticosteroid eye drops (such as prednisolone) are often used to shorten symptom duration. Cycloplegics and corticosteroids are usually adequate to relieve pain, but if necessary, the person can also take acetaminophen.
Last full review/revision May 2007 by Kathryn Colby, MD, PhD
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