Eye inflammation can be uncomfortable and sometimes serious. Here’s a simple guide to understanding uveitis and iritis.
What is uveitis or iritis?
The uvea is the pigmented layer of the eye and includes the iris (the colored part of your eye), the ciliary body, and the choroid (under your retina). Uveitis refers to inflammation of any part of this layer. Iritis specifically refers to inflammation of the iris, making it the most common form of uveitis. When all three parts of the uvea are inflamed, the condition is called panuveitis. The suffix “-itis” simply means inflammation.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms may appear suddenly and worsen quickly, or develop gradually over time. Common signs include:
- Light sensitivity
- Redness of the eye
- Blurred vision
- Eye pain
- Floaters
If you notice any of these symptoms, prompt evaluation is important.
What causes uveitis or iritis?
Uveitis can occur for several reasons. A simple injury to the eye may trigger inflammation, and it can also develop after eye surgery if healing is incomplete. Viral infections, such as herpes or shingles or COVID or their related vaccines, and corneal infections may also lead to uveitis.
In some cases, uveitis is linked to underlying systemic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, sarcoidosis, HLA-B27, HIV, or other rheumatologic conditions. Occasionally, even with thorough testing, the exact cause cannot be identified.
Are there different types of uveitis?
The type of uveitis depends on which part of the eye is affected. These include:
- Anterior uveitis (iritis): affects the front of the eye and is the most common type
- Intermediate uveitis: affects the vitreous and middle portion of the eye
- Posterior uveitis: involves the retina or choroid at the back of the eye
- Panuveitis: affects all layers of the uvea from front to back
What happens if uveitis is left untreated?
Inflammation inside the eye can lead to complications if not treated promptly. Chronic inflammation may cause glaucoma, swelling in the macula, optic nerve damage, cataracts, retinal detachment, or corneal problems. These complications can temporarily or permanently affect vision, which is why early treatment is so important.
How is uveitis or iritis treated?
Treatment depends on the cause and severity, but may include:
- Steroid eye drops to reduce inflammation
- Oral medications for more severe cases
- Coordination with your primary care doctor or rheumatologist if systemic disease is involved
Simple traumatic iritis may resolve within 7–10 days, but a complete eye exam is still important to rule out other damage.
If uveitis is recurrent, additional testing may be needed to identify the underlying cause and prevent long-term complications.
Inflammation inside the eye can worsen quickly, but with early care, most cases can be effectively managed.
Call our office at Eye Doctor MD, PC today at (804) 270-3333 to schedule your comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Pradhan to protect your vision and receive personalized care. Make sure to stay on top of your annual eye exams so we can help protect your vision for years to come.
Your eyes deserve prompt attention and early care makes all the difference.