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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration showing anatomy of the eye Anatomy of the eye

Iritis (i-RYE-tis) is inflammation that affects a part of your eye called the iris. The iris is the colored ring of tissue surrounding your pupil. It's part of the middle layer of the eye known as the uvea, which is why this condition is considered a type of uveitis (u-ve-I-tis), or inflammation of the uvea. Because the iris is located at the front of the uvea, iritis is sometimes called anterior uveitis.

The cause of iritis is often unknown. But sometimes, iritis results from an underlying condition or genetic factor.

Iritis is a serious condition that, if left untreated, could lead to glaucoma or blindness. If you have symptoms of iritis, see your doctor as soon as possible for evaluation and treatment.

Symptoms
References
  1. Uveitis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec09/ch105/ch105a.html. Accessed Dec. 21, 2010.
  2. Rosenbaum JT. Uveitis: Etiology; clinical manifestations; and diagnosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 21, 2010.
  3. Mahmood AR, et al. Diagnosis and management of the acute red eye. Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America. 2008;26:35.
  4. Walker RA, et al. Eye emergencies. In: Tintinalli JE, et al. Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2007. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=6387273. Accessed Dec. 21, 2010.
  5. Care of the patient with anterior uveitis. St. Louis, Mo.: American Optometric Association. http://www.aoa.org/documents/CPG-7.pdf. Accessed Dec. 27, 2010.
  6. Mueller JB, et al. Ocular infection and inflammation. Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America. 2008;26:57.
  7. Robertson DM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 2, 2011.
DS01128 Feb. 10, 2011

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