Uveitis (iritis)

Question 1

Anterior uveitis (acute iritis or iridocyclitis) is inflammation of?

Answer 1

the iris and ciliary body

• usually referred to as acute iritis.

Question 2

Features

Answer 2

The pupil may become small

• because of adhesions
• and the vision is blurred.

The affected eye is red:

• with the conjunctival injection
• being particularly pronounced over the area covering the inflamed ciliary body (ciliary flush)

Question 3

Causes

Answer 3

include auto-immune diseases such as:

the spondyloarthropathies, e.g.

• AS
• sarcoidosis

and some infections.

Question 4

Management

Answer 4

The patient should be referred to a consultant.

• involves finding the underlying cause.

Treatment includes:

• pupil dilation with atropine drops
• and topical steroids to suppress inflammation.

Systemic corticosteroids may be necessary.

Question 5

Posterior uveitis (choroiditis)

Answer 5

may involve the retina and vitreous and also requires referral.