What is iritis?
The circular coloured portion of the eye is called iris with dark pupil in the centre. Inflammation of the iris is called iritis. The muscular fibers of iris control the light entering the pupil so that we can see clearly, this is done by making the pupil smaller in bright light and big in dim light.
Basics: There are genetic, infectious or traumatic causes of iritis. The inflammatory process is triggered following injury and contaminated by microbes and the accumulation of necrotic products at the site of injury. In infectious cases, the immune system reacts against molecules and injures the uveal tract vessels and cells.
Iritis is classified into 4 types:
-Anterior uveitis
-Posterior uveitis
-Intermediate uveitis
-Pan uveitis
Who are at risk?
Commonly 20-50 years of age group are most affected. It affects men and women equally.
What are the causes of iritis?
In many cases, the exact cause is not known. In others there may be traumatic, non-traumatic or infectious causes:
-Traumatic causes: blunt trauma/injury to the eye.
-Non-traumatic causes: certain systemic diseases that can cause iritis are ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter syndrome, sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis.
-Infections that can cause iritis are Lyme disease, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, syphilis, and herpes simplex and herpes zoster viruses.
What are the sign and symptoms of iritis?
-Red and painful eye.
-Photophobia.
-Small or irregular pupil.
-Blurred vision.
-Headache.
-Increased tear production in the eye.
Can you go blind from iritis?
If not treated, it can lead to serious problems. It may cause severe vision loss or even blindness.
How long does it take for iritis to heal?
Iritis attack subsides within 6 to 8 weeks but has to take the treatment for a longer period so the inflammation subsides.
What are the investigations for iritis?
-Diagnosis is made by examining the eye.
-A pupil is irregular and small.
-Shining light causes pain in the affected eye.
-Pain is not relieved by anesthetics.
What is the treatment for iritis?
-Eye drops and painkillers.
-Steroids in severe cases.
-Treatment of the underlying cause.
Management for iritis?
-Dark glasses to protect against light.
-The application of hot packs.
Diet:
-Green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, carrots, etc.
-Fruits such as banana, strawberry, oranges, etc.
-Lean meats.
-Vitamin E rich food such as almonds, sunflower seeds, etc.
-Brown rice, whole wheat.
What are the complications of iritis?
Iritis leads to the following complications:
-Glaucoma.
-Cataract.
-Loss of vision.
Homeopathic treatment for iritis?
-Aconite
-Hepar Sulph.
-Mercurius
-Rhus Tox
