Iritis is a condition that causes inflammation of the iris. the colored part of the eye. It is caused by numerous conditions. Main causes included autoimmune disorders, viruses and bacterial infection, or traumatic eye injury. Iritis may also be called anterior uveitis.

Iris inflammation allows white blood cells, called leukocytes, to collect beneath the iris, and then diffuse to the other parts of the eye. This may first be noticed as red or irritated looking eyes. As well, the white part of the eye may appear cloudy or gray as iritis develops.

Iritis usually affects only one eye, and common symptoms include smaller or misshapen pupil, pain in the eye and the brow area, headache, increased tear production, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. These symptoms should be brought to the attention of a doctor immediately, as untreated iritis can cause blindness.

Proper treatment almost always resolves the condition so blindness does not occur. Left untreated, iritis may also cause cataracts, which can significantly impair sight. The iris may also permanently attach to the cornea as it swells.

Iritis symptoms can indicate infection of another part of the body. For example, iritis might be accompanied by kidney pain, suggesting kidney infection. In addition, iritis may indicate several serious viruses like Lyme disease, Syphilis, or Tuberculosis. Iritis, is however, most frequently caused by autoimmune disorders, and when infectious or viral origin of iritis cannot be determined, investigation for autoimmune disorders should commence.

Along with examination of the eye, doctors will take a full patient history to determine possible links to either serious viruses or autoimmune disorders. Patients may be asked to disclose their sexual history, since several sexually transmitted diseases can cause iritis.

Treatment goals are to reduce inflammation, and to relax the iris. Often the eye is dilated to cause the pupil to relax. Steroidal, or antibiotic drops, depending on the cause, can reduce swelling. Usually it takes approximately six to eight weeks for a case of iritis to resolve. If iritis arises from an autoimmune condition, it may occur again, and those who have such conditions should be aware of symptoms in the future that might suggest another bout of iritis.