Diagnostics and examination | Inflammation of the iris

Diagnostics and examination

At first sight, a reddening of the eye and a narrowing of the pupil (miosis) is apparent. In addition, the affected eye is painful under pressure (pressure dolent). In order to detect the accumulation of pus in the anterior chamber of the eye (hypopyon), ophthalmologists use the slit-lamp examination.

This is a microscopic examination of the eye using a swiveling light source. In addition, regular measurement of the intraocular pressure may be necessary to prevent dangerous complications. Since there are many different causes for iritis, as mentioned above, comprehensive laboratory tests (e.g. tests for various bacteria or rheumatoid factors) are necessary. Imaging techniques can also be used to visualize changes in joints in the context of rheumatic diseases.

Therapy

The causal treatment of iritis can have different approaches, as there are many different causes. Generally, the eye is first treated locally with ointments containing cortisone. Cortisone-free anti-inflammatory drugs, which can also be applied as ointments or drops, are also used here.

In addition, eye drops are used to dilate the pupil (mydriatic). This is done to prevent the iris and lens from becoming stuck together, which could permanently damage the visual function. If these local therapy approaches fail in very severe cases, systemic therapy with cortisone tablets and cortisone injections under the conjunctiva may be necessary.

If the cause of the iritis is a bacterial infection, antibiotic therapy is used. However, since Iritis is often no longer associated with the pathogens but is a consequence of the body’s own immune response, antibiotics are not effective here. The therapy is then primarily directed against the inflammation and usually uses anti-inflammatory drugs and cortisone preparations.

For the autoimmune diseases there are different therapy approaches, which are especially directed against the existing disease (e.g. rheumatism). The treating physician then determines the therapy individually.