anterior uveitis information eye care and surgery

Anterior Uveitis (Iritis)

What is anterior uveitis?

Anterior uveitis is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye which includes the iris and adjacent tissue, known as the cilliary body.

Is the disease serious?

If untreated, anterior uveitis can lead to other eye problems and cause permanent damage. It usually responds well to treatment, however, there may be a tendency for the condition to recur.

What causes anterior uveitis?

Anterior uveitis can occur as a result of trauma to the eye, such as a blow or foreign body penetrating the eye or surgery. It can also be a complication of other eye disease, or it may be caused by general health problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, rubella and mumps. In many cases, there is no obvious underlying cause.

What are the signs/symptoms of anterior uveitis?

Signs/symptoms may include a red, painful and inflamed eye, blurring of vision, sensitivity to light and a small pupil.

How is anterior uveitis diagnosed?

Since the symptoms of anterior uveitis are similar to those of other eye diseases, your optometrist will carefully examine the inside of your eye, under bright light and high magnification, to determine the presence and severity of the condition. Your optometrist may also perform other test procedures and arrange for treatment and investigations.

Does anterior uveitis affect vision?

if untreated, anterior uveitis can affect adjacent eye tissues causing swelling, scarring, the development of glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal edema leading to loss of vision.

What is the treatment for anterior uveitis?

Usually prescription eyedrops which dilate the pupils, in combination with anti-inflammatory drugs are needed. Treatment usually takes several days, or up to a few weeks, in some cases. It is important that treatment is given at an early stage in the condition.

Christopher Kerr FSMC, FBOA, FAAO, FC.Optom. Cert. in Ocular Therapeutics (City University)

Combines teaching and research with private practice. Clinical consultant to major industrial and contact lens companies, Health Authorities and many professional bodies. Chairman, Croydon Local Optometric Committee, President British contact Lens Association and previously Senior Optometrist and Director of Contact Lens Services at Mayday University Hospital. Editor: Contact Lens Yearbook. International speaker, broadcaster and author on general optometric and contact lens-related topics. Mayday Healthcare Trust accredited paediatric optometrist.

You can read a recent lecture by given by Christopher at the The Royal Society of Medicine here.

Christopher Kerr & Associates Tel: 020 8688 5076 / 020 8681 2008 Fax: 020 8688 8005
37 LONDON ROAD, WEST CROYDON, CR0 2RE

Website evolved with the help of SCS