Iridocyclitis

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

Iridocyclitis is Inflammation of the iris and the ciliary body.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

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).

Can also be associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (also known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis). Seen usually with the pauciarticular type in females but polyarticular types are also at risk.

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 keratic precipitates
Non-granulomatous: Accompanied by smaller keratic 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.