Iritis – Symptoms and Causes
Iritis is an inflammatory condition that affects the iris, the colored part of the eye. It occurs when the body’s immune system becomes activated and causes swelling within this part of the eye.
The condition can appear suddenly or develop gradually and may affect one or both eyes.
Although iritis can resolve with proper treatment, it may return over time. Early detection through routine eye exams is important to preserve long-term vision and avoid complications.
Signs and Symptoms
Iritis causes several noticeable symptoms that may appear suddenly or develop gradually. The most common sign is eye pain, which often worsens when exposed to bright light. This light sensitivity (photophobia) can be quite severe in some cases.
Redness in the affected eye, particularly around the iris (the colored part), is another typical symptom. Many people also experience blurred vision that doesn’t improve with glasses or contact lenses.
Other symptoms include:
- Floating spots in vision (floaters)
- Small pupil size in the affected eye
- Headache
- Excessive tearing
Some patients report seeing halos around lights or having a decreased ability to see clearly in dim lighting. The symptoms might affect one eye or both eyes, depending on the type of iritis.
When to Get Medical Attention
See a doctor right away if you experience eye pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, or redness in your eye. These symptoms could indicate iritis (inflammation of the iris) and require prompt medical care.
Contact your eye doctor immediately if:
- Your eye pain or redness doesn’t improve with over-the-counter treatments
- You have a sudden change in vision
- You experience severe light sensitivity
- You notice floating spots or cloudiness in your vision
- You have iritis symptoms and also have an autoimmune condition
If you’ve had iritis before, be alert for returning symptoms. People with certain health conditions like arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or psoriasis should be especially watchful for eye inflammation symptoms.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase a person’s chance of developing iritis. Age plays a significant role, as iritis most commonly affects people between 20 and 50 years old. Men and women face roughly equal risk of developing this eye condition.
Genetic factors may contribute to iritis development. Having certain genes, particularly HLA-B27, can make a person more susceptible. This genetic marker is found in many people with autoimmune conditions that are linked to iritis.
Health conditions associated with increased iritis risk include:
- Ankylosing Spondylitis (spine inflammation)
- Reactive Arthritis
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Complications
Untreated or poorly managed iritis can lead to several serious complications that may affect vision and eye health. Persistent inflammation can increase pressure inside the eye, potentially leading to glaucoma.
This condition damages the optic nerve and, without proper care, may result in vision loss.
Cataracts represent another possible complication. When iritis continues over time, the lens of the eye may become cloudy, causing blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. Some people might need surgery to remove cataracts that develop due to chronic iritis.
The inflammation can sometimes cause the iris to stick to nearby structures. When it adheres to the lens, doctors call this posterior synechiae. These adhesions can interfere with the normal flow of fluid in the eye and affect pupil function.
Macular edema may occur when inflammation spreads to the macula, the central part of the retina. Fluid buildup in this area can blur central vision and make it harder to see fine details.
Without treatment, this condition can lead to lasting vision problems. People with recurring iritis face a higher risk of developing these complications.
