Iritis is also called anterior uveitis. It is referred to as the inflammation of the iris. It causes your eye to be red, accompanied with sensitivity, pain and blurry vision. Iritis is mainly linked to trauma, stress, ankylosing spondylitis, multiple sclerosis and ulcerative colitis. It can be managed by eye drops, but seeking medical attention as soon as you start seeing symptoms helps in preventing serious consequences like blindness. This blog is going to run through the symptoms and what may cause iritis.
What Are The Symptoms Of Iritis (Anterior Uveitis)?
- Intense pain: Sharp pain in your eye can be a sign of iritis. An intense pain that gets worse with light.
- Having red eyes: Having red eyes, especially around the iris, is a sign of having anterior uveitis.
- Being too sensitive to light: When you begin to be unable to open your eyes in bright light, being too sensitive to light is also a symptom of iritis.
- Having teary eyes: If your eyes are constantly watery, it’s another symptom of iritis.
- Having blurry vision: If your vision is blurred, you should consult an eye professional before the symptoms get to a complex level.
- Severe headaches: Iritis is usually connected to headaches, which makes headaches a part of the serious symptoms of iritis.
- Changes in the pupil shape: Changes in pupil shape are a sign to get a medical visit for a checkup. The iris can be small, too big or change in its original shape.
What Are The Causes Of Iritis (Anterior Uveitis)?
- Multiple Sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the nervous system. Because it affects the protective layer of the nerve fibres, it also targets the eyes and causes inflammation.
- Inflammatory diseases such as Ulcerative colitis: Is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the intestines, it also affects the eye nerves, causing inflammation in the eyes.
- Infections: Infections such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites contribute to iritis. The common knowledge thinks AIDS causes iritis, but it is not AIDS that causes iritis, but the viruses such as Herpes that cause iritis.
- Injuries to the eyes: Eye injuries cause iritis. Surgery, wounds and chemical burns cause iritis.
- Reaction to medication: Reaction to certain medications causes iritis. People tend to react to certain medicines, such as antibiotics, which will end up causing inflammation in the eyes.
- Genetic factors: Genetics may also contribute to iris inflammation. Certain gene variations tend to increase the risk of an immune imbalance that will end up affecting the eyes.
Conclusion
Iritis is the inflammation of the iris. It is caused by wounds, injuries, genetic factors or a reaction to medicine. Its symptoms include eye sensitivity, blurry vision, red eyes, intense pain, watery eyes and headaches. It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as you notice any of these signs. Early treatment will help in reducing the complications that come with these symptoms, such as blindness. If you are feeling eye irritation that is giving you discomfort, book your appointment with our specialist, Dr. H. Mitra, at Mitra Eye Hospital and Lasik Laser Centre. Get your eyes treated to prevent later complications.
FAQs
- Can iritis be cured permanently?
Yes, iritis can be cured permanently if the symptoms are taken care of in their early stages before they get severe.
- How does stress cause iritis?
Lack of sleep and stressful events can cause iritis. Adequate sleep reduces stress levels; therefore, it has been observed that stress causes iritis.