Iritis is a swelling and irritation in the colored ring around your eye’s pupil (iris), it is also known as anterior uveitis. Uveitis is the inflammation of part or all of the uvea.
The uvea is the middle layer of the eye between the retina and the white part of the eye. The iris is located in the front portion (anterior) of the uvea. Iritis is the most common type of uveitis.
The cause is often unknown. It can result from an underlying condition or genetic factor.
Iritis can occur in one or both eyes. It usually develops suddenly, and can last up to three months.
Signs and symptoms of iritis include:
*Eye redness
*Discomfort or achiness in the affected eye
*Sensitivity to light
*Decreased vision
Iritis that develops suddenly, over hours or days, is known as acute iritis. Symptoms that develop gradually or last longer than three months indicate chronic iritis.
Causes
Often, the cause of iritis can’t be determined. In some cases, iritis can be linked to eye trauma, genetic factors or certain diseases, including:
*Injury to the eye.
*Infections.
*Genetic predisposition.
*Behcet’s disease.
*Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
*Sarcoidosis.
*Certain medications.
If untreated, iritis could lead to glaucoma or vision loss. See your optometrist as soon as possible if you have symptoms of iritis.