Iridocyclitis

Definition

What is iridocyclitis?

Iridocyclitis, also known as uveitis really a broad term for many problems with your eye. What they have in common is eye inflammation and swelling that can destroy eye tissues. That destruction can lead to poor vision or blindness.

It is one of most dangerous problems which can cause vision loss if it is not treated.

• Acute: Sudden symptomatic onset and persists for 6 weeks or less.
• Chronic: Frequently insidious and asymptomatic that persists for months or years.

How common is iridocyclitis?

This disorder, which can be either acute or chronic, is a rare condition that often affects the middle and the front part of the eye. It can affect patients at any age. It can be managed by reducing your risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for further information.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of iridocyclitis?

The common signs of iridocyclitis are:

• A ‘red eye’ or redness of eye with lacrimation
• Pain in the eye, which persists, can lead to a much more severe condition
• A small pupil and other pupillary changes
• Blurred vision
• Floaters

Having these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have iridocyclitis. Other condition of the eye can also outcome some or all of these symptoms listed above.

There may be some symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns about a symptom, please consult your doctor.

When should I see my doctor?

If you have any signs or symptoms listed above or have any questions, please consult with your doctor. Everyone’s body acts differently. It is always best to discuss with your doctor what is best for your situation.

Causes

What causes iridocyclitis?

Like other infectious diseases, uveitis is caused by foreign objects that get in the eye, causing inflammation or pus. Infections can also be caused by endogenous bacteria or viruses or protozoa, namely:

• Bacterial e.g. tuberculosis, syphilis, gonorrhea
• Viral e.g. mumps, small pox, influenza
• Protozoal e.g. toxoplasmos

Uveitis etiological classification is one of the most difficult problems in ophthalmology (the study of eye diseases). In most cases, allergy is the cause:

• Allergies due to secondary infection due to direct pread from adjoining structures involving the cornea, sclera and retina portions.
• Allergic inflammation: Result of an antigen-antibody reaction occurring in the eye due to previous sensitization of uveal tissue to some allergen. The allergen is a foreign protein.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for iridocyclitis?

There are many risk factors for iridocyclitis, such as:

• Some drugs can create hypersensitive reactions or side effects such as Rifabutin (used in the treatment of atypical mycobacterial infection); Cidofovir antiviral drug; Moxifloxacin and Bisphosphonates especially when it is administered intravenous.
• Having multiple sclerosis (MS). It is most commonly associated with uveitis
• Patients who experience auto-immune diseases or the phenomenon referred to as the immune reconstitution inflammation syndrome (IRIS).

Diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. ALWAYS consult with your doctor for more information.

How is iridocyclitis diagnosed?

Different types diagnostic methods is required to find out the cause of iridocyclitis. Some common tests are:

• Slit lamp examination which allows the trained observers to visualize the anterior segment of the eye.
• Direct visualization by detection of leukocytes in inflamed posterior or intermediate uveitis.
• Other paraclinical tests are: Blood tests, X-ray, MRI.

How is iridocyclitis treated?

Due to patients’ systemic disorder symptoms, the associated diagnosis will be apparent at the time of the initial history and physical examination.

Normally, treatment for Uveitis is drug therapy include using following drugs:

• Atropine – that acts in 3 ways with different specific methods of administration and dose: By keeping the iris and ciliary body at rest; By diminishing hyperaemia and By preventing formation of posterior synechiea and breaking down any already formed
• Corticosteroids – one of the effects is to minimize damages of antigen antibody reaction.
• Aspirin is very useful in relieving pain but if it is intense, stronger preparation are required. It usually is eye drops.
• Other medicines include: Cytotoxic drugs, cyclosporin and drugs that required in treatment of complications of iridocyclitis (g. glaucoma.)

Intervention procedure sometimes can be indicated.

Lifestyle changes & home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help me manage iridocyclitis?

The following lifestyles and home remedies might help you cope with iridocyclitis:

These are easy ways that have been widely used to prevent such a condition, you might not think of:

• Improve your immune systems by taking proper vitamin supplement.
• Stay away from drug – abuse. Especially those have been proven associated with uveitis.
• Minimizing contacting with chance of getting infected (e.g. introduction of dirty hand into injured eye)

If you have any questions, please consult with your doctor to better understand the best solution for you.