This is an informative website on iritis to help those that suffer
and those researching the disease. Iritis.org is more of a community
than an organization in that its visitors are connected in such
a unique way. The site consists of forums, polls, databases and
other web sites to research and inform its visitors.
Iritis is inflammation predominantly located in the iris of the eye. Inflammation in the iris is more correctly classified as anterior uveitis. the ciliary body can also be inflammed and this would then be called iridocyclitis.
When the iris is inflammed, white blood cells (leukocytes) are shed into the anterior chamber of the eye where they can be observed on slit lamp examination floating in the convection currents of the aqueous humor. These cells can be counted and form the basis for rating the degree of inflammation. this is measured on a scale of 1-4, four being one heck of allot of cells (this is further explained in the Glossary of medical terms at http://www.uveitis.org.) these cells can accumulate and cause adhesion between the iris and the lens.
Initial treatment of iritis which is not caused by a pathogen (virus, bacteria, mycobacteria, ureaplasma, yeast, mold or fungus) is through the use of topical corticosteroids. if adhesion is anticipated then a dilating drop is used to relax the ciliary body preventing the iris from adhering to the lens in a closed position. Iritis that is stubborn, recurrent or chronic may require systemic treatment through the use of oral steroids, or other immunomodulating drugs. Some individuals will have genetic predisposition to uveitis which is related to autoimmune disease processes. the most common of these 'genes' is the HLA B27 Haplotype which can predispose to uveitis alone or also to the Seronegative Spondyloarthropathies and the enteropathic arthropathies. examples are Ankylosing spondylitis, Reactive arthritis (Reiters syndrome), psoriatic Arthritis, irritable Bowel disease and Crohn's disease. there are other autoimmune disease processes also related to iritis/uveitis.
Multiple Sclerosis (HLA B15), Sarcoidosis, systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Lyme disease, Juvenile Ideopathic Arthritis. Sexually transmitted disease processes can also be related to uveitis as can Cat Scratch disease, Toxoplasmosis, toxocardia, Presumed Ocular Histoplasmosis syndrome, Lyme disease, whipples disease, valley fever, Tuberculosis, leptospirosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted fever etc.
Because of the relationship between Uveitis and over 90 different pathogens and autoimmune disease processes we suggest that individuals with recurrent or chronic uveitis be treated by an Uveitis specialist or Ocular Immunologist. One may have to travel to see one of these very rare specialsts but by doing so, the health of the patient as well as long term positive outcomes for the uvietic eye will occur. some of these consequences to lack of treatment or under treatment are: epiretinal membrane formation, cystoid Macular edema, cataracts, Glaucoma, detached retina, Vitreous hemorrhage, vascularization of the retina.
Uveitis is the third leading cause of preventable blindness in the developed World. Most opthalmologists are not trained in the diagnosis and treament of difficult to control uveitis. A list of specialists has been developed by C Stephen Foster MD of the Ocuar Immunology and Uveitis Foundation here in the USA. One can access this list by going to http://www.uveitis.org once there visit the PATIENT information Section of the site.
Our general discussion forum and other forums available here are an excellent way to ask questions and read up on various medical conditions related to uveitis. feel free to join in the discussion when you feel comfortable with us.
wish all the very best!
Kevin, Mike and Jess
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