Posttraumatic Iridocyclitis

(Traumatic Anterior Uveitis; Traumatic Iritis)

ByAnn P. Murchison, MD, MPH, Wills Eye Hospital
Reviewed/Revised May 2022
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    Posttraumatic iridocyclitis is an inflammatory reaction of the uvea and iris, typically developing within 3 days of blunt eye trauma.

    (See also Overview of Eye Trauma.)

    Symptoms of posttraumatic iridocyclitis include tearing, throbbing ache and redness of the eye, photophobia, and blurred vision. The pupil may be dilated.

    Diagnosis is by history, symptoms, and slit-lamp examination, which typically reveals flare (due to an increase in protein content of the aqueous humor from the inflammatory exudate) and white blood cells in the anterior chamber.

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