Iridocyclitis: Joint inflammation of the cornea and ciliary body

Iridocyclitis is a serious eye disease characterized by joint inflammation of the iris and ciliary body, which are the two main structures of the eye. This condition often presents with symptoms such as eye pain, sensitivity to light (photophobia), blurred vision, and redness. Iridocyclitis is a type of uveitis, which is a deeper inflammation of the inner layers of the eye. If not diagnosed and treated in time, it can cause serious vision problems and even blindness.

What is the Lens and Ciliary Body?

The iris is the colored part of the eye and controls the amount of light passing through the eye by adjusting the size of the pupil. The ciliary body is a muscular structure that produces fluid in the eye and plays an important role in focusing the lens. Joint inflammation of both structures leads to the formation of iridocyclitis, and at this time, the processes that can cause eye function disorders are activated.

Causes of iridocyclitis

Iridocyclitis can occur for various reasons. Among the main reasons are:

Autoimmune diseases: In diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Behçet's disease or sarcoidosis, the body can attack its own tissues and cause inflammation.

Infections: Infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi can cause iridocyclitis. The herpes virus in particular is a common infection that can cause this.

Traumas: As a result of mechanical eye trauma or surgical operations, eye tissues can be damaged and lead to inflammation.

Eye diseases: Other eye diseases, especially inflammatory processes such as uveitis or keratitis, can cause iridocyclitis.

Signs and Symptoms

Iridocyclitis can be manifested by the following symptoms:

Eye pain: Patients complain of sharp or irritating eye pain.

Blurred vision: Visual acuity decreases, in some cases, patients see things as a blur.

Sensitivity to light (photophobia): Bright light damages the eyes and causes discomfort.

Redness: Redness of the whites of the eye is a common symptom of iridocyclitis.

Abnormal position of the pupil: The pupil can sometimes be narrower than normal or irregularly shaped.

Diagnostics

For the accurate diagnosis of iridocyclitis, various examinations are performed by an ophthalmologist. These examinations include:

Slit lamp examination of the eye: This is the main method used for the initial diagnosis of iridocyclitis. During this examination, the front part of the eye is evaluated in detail.

Tonometry: Intraocular pressure is measured, because in some cases iridocyclitis can be accompanied by increased intraocular pressure.

Ophthalmoscopy: The back of the eye is examined and fundus changes are assessed.

Treatment

Treatment of iridocyclitis varies depending on its cause. The main treatment methods are:

Corticosteroids: Local or systemic steroid preparations are prescribed to reduce inflammation.

Mydriatic drugs: These drugs dilate the pupil, relieve pain and reduce the effect of inflammation on the pupil.

Immunosuppressive drugs: Used in iridocyclitis caused by autoimmune diseases.

Antibiotics or antiviral drugs: If iridocyclitis is caused by infections, antibacterial or antiviral treatment is used, respectively.

Prevention

Although preventing iridocyclitis is difficult, early treatment of autoimmune diseases and infections can reduce the risks. It is also important to follow safety precautions to prevent eye injuries. If symptoms such as eye pain, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light occur, it is imperative to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Iridocyclitis is a serious eye disease that needs to be treated quickly. Delayed or insufficient treatment can lead to the development of vision loss. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment at the time of the initial symptoms of the disease will help prevent long-term consequences.