Iridocyclitis

Iridocyclitis, a type of anterior uveitis, is a condition in which the uvea of the eye suffers inflammation.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Photophobia
• Redness
• Watering of the eyes
• Lacrimation
• Miosis, constriction of the pupil
• Blurred vision
• Synechia

Causes

Iridocyclitis is usually caused by direct exposure of the eyes to chemicals, particularly lachrymators, but can also be caused by ocular viral infection such as herpes zoster (i.e. herpetic iridocyclitis).

Types

There are six classifications of iridocyclitis.

Acute or chronic

Acute

Sudden symptomatic onset, lasting no more than six weeks.

Chronic

Persisting for more than six weeks, possibly asymptomatic. Chronic iridocyclitis is usually associated with systemic disorders including ankylosing spondylitis, Behçet's syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Reiter's syndrome, sarcoidosis, syphilis, tuberculosis, and Lyme disease.

Exogenous or endogenous

Exogenous

Related to external damage to the uvea or invasion of external microbes

Endogenous

Related to internal microbes

Granulomatous or non-granulomatous

Granulomatous

Accompanied by large keratotic precipitates

Non-granulomatous

Accompanied by smaller keratotic precipitates

Treatment

Iridocyclitis can be effectively treated with tropane alkaloids or steroids.

To immobilize the iris and decrease pain, one may find tropane alkaloids effective, particularly scopolamine and atropine in .25% and 1% concentrations respectively. Topical steroids may be used to decrease inflammation, particularly prednisolone and dexamethasone. Upon presentation of a severe case, a subconjunctival steroid injection may be administered.

See also

• Iritis
• Inflammation
• Uvea