What is Iritis
The iris is the circular, colored portion of the front of the eye with the dark pupil in the center.

The iris is made up of muscular fibers that control the amount of light entering the pupil so that we can see clearly. The iris accomplishes this task by making the pupil smaller in bright light and larger in dim light. The iris is the front part of the uveal tract of the eye (the iris in the front and the ciliary body and uveal tract behind it). In some people, the iris can become inflamed. This is termed iritis.

Inflammation of the front part of the eye is referred to as anterior uveitis or iritis, whereas inflammation behind this is known as posterior uveitis.

Iritis Causes

Iritis may be a consequence of trauma (traumatic iritis) or nontraumatic causes. In a significant number of cases, no cause for the iritis is found.

• Blunt trauma to the eye can cause traumatic inflammation of the iris.
   
• Nontraumatic iritis is frequently associated with certain systemic diseases (diseases that affects multiple locations throughout the body), such as ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter syndrome, sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis. Noteworthy of special attention is iritis associated with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
   
• Infectious causes may include Lyme disease, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, syphilis, and herpes simplex and herpes zoster viruses.

Iritis Treatment

Mild analgesics may help temporarily until you can see the ophthalmologist.

Iritis requires prescription medications (drops, pills, or a combination) and follow-up visits with an ophthalmologist, so seeking medical care is essential.

• Use prescription medications exactly as prescribed.
• Wear dark glasses if exposure to light is uncomfortable.
• Take mild analgesics, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), to help control some of the discomfort.