Iridocyclitis: Definition, Causes, and Treatment

Iridocyclitis may sound like a mouthful, but it’s a serious eye condition that you should stay on top of. In this article, we’re breaking down iridocyclitis, walking you through its causes, diagnosis, and treatment options. We’ll also share howPair can help you level up your eyewear look.

What Is Iridocyclitis?

Iridocyclitis (also known as anterior uveitis or iritis) is an eye disease that causes inflammation of the iris and ciliary body of the eye.

The iris is the colored part of the eye, and the ciliary body is the structure that helps maintain the shape of the lens. These parts of the eye are crucial for clear, full vision, making iridocyclitis a serious issue worth addressing with an eye doctor’s help.

This eye disease is a subtype of anterior uveitis, an umbrella term for multiple conditions that affect different parts of the eye (the other primary type is posterior uveitis). Iridocyclitis can be acute or chronic — in acute cases, it develops suddenly, while in chronic cases, the condition sets in slowly.

When it’s not treated quickly and effectively, iridocyclitis can lead to other serious ocular issues, including cataracts, glaucoma, and, sometimes, full vision loss.

What Are the Causes of Iridocyclitis?

Several illnesses and health issues can cause this type of uveitis. These are the main categories of causes:

Autoimmune Diseases

Some autoimmune diseases can cause iridocyclitis. These conditions cause your body’s immune system to turn against itself, harming healthy parts of your body and leading to other systemic problems.

The main autoimmune diseases that cause iridocyclitis are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, Lyme disease, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and ankylosing spondylitis.

All of these conditions cause the formation of antibodies, which can attack healthy tissues in your eye and lead to the development of iridocyclitis.

Infections

In addition to autoimmune diseases, multiple viral, bacterial, and fungal infections can also cause this condition. These include herpes simplex and herpes zoster (shingles), tuberculosis, syphilis, and toxoplasmosis.

Eye Injuries

If you get hit in the eye, you might be more at risk of iridocyclitis. For example, a penetrating wound like a cut near your eye area can increase your chances of developing the condition. Because of this, you should always visit your primary healthcare provider after any kind of eye injury.

Genetics

Some people are genetically predisposed to developing iridocyclitis. Current ophthalmology research has revealed that people with the HLA-B27 gene are especially prone to developing the condition, even if they don’t have any pre-existing autoimmune disorder or other risk factors.

What Are the Symptoms of Iridocyclitis?

Iridocyclitis mainly causes eye pain, intraocular pressure, redness around the eye area, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and blurred vision.

Additionally, the condition can make a person’s eyes look different. As it progresses, their pupils may shrink or become irregularly shaped. These are just two signs that eye doctors look for during diagnostic tests for the disease.

This condition can also lead to chronically teary and irritated eyes, which is often one of the first signs people identify in the early stages. People with iridocyclitis also report seeing small, dark spots in their field of vision, which are called floaters.

How Is Iridocyclitis Diagnosed?

To get an accurate diagnosis of iridocyclitis, you’ll need to visit an ophthalmologist — an eye doctor who specializes in surgery and the treatment of serious eye diseases.

During your diagnosis, an ophthalmologist will get a detailed medical history to gather as much information as possible about the potential causes behind your symptoms. They’ll ask about your family history, check to see if you’ve had any serious eye injuries, and ask other relevant questions.

After obtaining your medical history, your doctor will perform a slit-lamp examination, which provides a closer look at the front part of the eye. With this test, they can examine your retina, uvea, and other areas that iridocyclitis affects.

Following the slit-lamp exam, your eye doctor may test for intraocular pressure, as an increase or decrease in this measurement could also be a sign of iridocyclitis.

Finally, blood tests and eye X-rays are sometimes necessary to pinpoint the underlying condition that led to iridocyclitis.

How Is Iridocyclitis Treated?

When an eye doctor diagnoses the disease, they’ll develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both your symptoms and their underlying causes.

Inflammation in the middle layer of the eye wall (the choroid) is the main problem caused by iridocyclitis, and anti-inflammatory corticosteroids can help. These prescription eye drops are often used to manage inflammation caused by iridocyclitis, and patients use them multiple times every day.

Additionally, immunosuppressants are often used to treat iridocyclitis. These medications are helpful when an autoimmune disease is the cause of your ocular inflammation.

Acute anterior uveitis is sometimes caused by infections, so a doctor might prescribe antibiotics to get to the root cause. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to prevent iridocyclitis from causing the development of other issues, such as glaucoma or cataracts.

Can You Prevent Iridocyclitis?

If you’re worried about developing iridocyclitis, the best way to protect yourself is to get having regular check-ups from an ophthalmologist can provide reassurance. If they think you might be dealing with early-stage symptoms such as red eyes or irritation, they’ll schedule a follow-up appointment and monitor your symptoms.

The Bottom Line

Eye care is self-care — that’s our mantra at Pair. We believe it’s always worthwhile to invest in taking care of your eyes, whether that means picking up a new pair of glasses or getting an eye exam to protect yourself from iridocyclitis.

If you’re ready to upgrade your eyewear, you’ve come to the right place. Our online glasses shop has a full selection of Base Frames and Top Frames to fit every personality and occasion.

Sources:

Uveitis | National Eye Institute

Iridocyclitis: What Is It, Causes, Diagnosis | Osmosis

Understanding Glaucoma: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment | American Academy of Ophthalmology

Anterior uveitis | AOA