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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffSigns and symptoms of iritis may include:
- Eye redness, often seen as a bluish-pink color in the white of your eye (sclera) around the iris
- Discomfort or achiness in the affected eye
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Blurred vision
- Floating spots in your vision (eye floaters)
Iritis usually isn't associated with discharge from the eyes.
When symptoms of iritis develop suddenly, over hours or days, this is referred to as acute iritis. Symptoms that develop gradually or last longer than six weeks indicate chronic iritis.
When to see a doctor
See an eye specialist as soon as possible if you have symptoms of iritis. Prompt treatment helps prevent serious complications of the condition. If you're experiencing eye pain and vision problems, along with other signs and symptoms, you may need urgent medical care.
References
- Uveitis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec09/ch105/ch105a.html. Accessed Dec. 21, 2010.
- Rosenbaum JT. Uveitis: Etiology; clinical manifestations; and diagnosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 21, 2010.
- Mahmood AR, et al. Diagnosis and management of the acute red eye. Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America. 2008;26:35.
- 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.
- 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.
- Mueller JB, et al. Ocular infection and inflammation. Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America. 2008;26:57.
- Robertson DM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 2, 2011.
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