Uveitis, Iritis, & Anterior Uveitis

Overview

Uveitis is the term used to describe any inflammation or swelling that affects the eye structures involved in providing the eye with its blood supply. These eye structures include the choroid, iris, and ciliary body, which collectively make up the uvea. Different types of uveitis are classified according to the eye structures involved as well as whether it is chronic (longterm) or acute.

There are four types of uveitis, most common of which being anterior uveitis, which affects the iris and ciliary body. Intermediate uveitis affects the ciliary body, vitreous, and retina; posterior uveitis affects the choroid, retina, and optic nerve; and diffuse uveitis affects eye structures throughout the front and the back of the eye.

Anterior uveitis (also known as iritis when only the iris is involved) is so common that it is actually often referred to as “uveitis.” Anterior uveitis can be caused by a number of different factors, including infection (by bacteria, fungus, or virus), eye trauma (either surgical or non-surgical), immune disorders (such as rheumatoid arthritis, and more.

Signs & Symptoms of Anterior Uveitis

Uveitis is characterized by a number of different symptoms, as listed below:

pain (can be mild to severe in nature)
photophobia (light sensitivity)
excess tearing (epiphora)
blurred vision
small pupils (miosis)
redness around the iris (ciliary flush)
rise in eye pressure (IOP)

Detection & Diagnosis of Anterior Uveitis

An eye doctor will be able to detect and diagnose anterior uveitis (and any of the other three types of uveitis) through a slit lamp microscope. This enables a magnified view of all the structures of the eye. Assessment of visual acuity and intraocular pressure are also useful tools for diagnosing anterior uveitis. It is important to also determine the cause of anterior uveitis because it can be caused by any of a number of systemic diseases and infections.

Anterior Uveitis Treatment

Treatment of anterior uveitis depends on both the severity and the cause of the inflammation. In mild cases of uveitis, a simple regimen of anti-inflammatory eye drops can usually clear up the problem. In more severe cases, a more aggressive treatment may be necessary, consisting of steroids and eye drops to lower eye pressure.

Complications of Anterior Uveitis

Iris scarring associated with anterior uveitis has the potential to cause secondary glaucoma and cataracts, so patients should be monitored for these conditions following a bout of anterior uveitis.

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