Iridocyclitis

Iridocyclitis is a condition that can lead to very serious complications, including pupil adhesion (so-called synechiae – adhesions between the pupillary edge and the anterior surface of the lens), secondary glaucoma, and complicated cataract.

Iridocyclitis, or anterior uveitis, is an inflammation of the anterior segment of the eye, affecting the iris (the colored part of the eye) and the ciliary body (the structure responsible for accommodation, focusing, and production of intraocular fluid).

Young people are more commonly affected. The disease progresses acutely, often relapses, and becomes chronic.

Causes of iridocyclitis

The etiological causes of anterior uveitis are numerous, with endogenous factors and accompanying autoimmune diseases playing a major role. Often, anterior uveitis is the first manifestation of an undiagnosed autoimmune disease. Etiological factors may also include viruses (herpes viral infection), bacteria (post-trauma), and parasites.

Determining the etiology of anterior uveitis is often a challenge for ophthalmologists and requires thorough clinical investigations and collaboration with specialists in other fields (rheumatologists, infectious disease specialists, etc.).

Treatment

Treatment includes steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications in the form of eye drops or systemic administration. Often, the treatment also includes dilating eye drops (to reduce pain, prevent pupil adhesions, and provide rest for the iris and ciliary body). After identifying the causative agent, specific therapy is applied – antibiotics, antivirals, antifungal agents, and others.

Possible complications

A common complication is pupil adhesion (so-called synechiae – adhesions between the pupillary edge and the anterior surface of the lens), secondary glaucomaа and complicated cataract. In such cases, surgical treatment is performed after controlling the inflammatory process.

Advice for patients:

• The diagnosis of anterior uveitis is primarily based on clinical methods – a complete ophthalmological exam, and to clarify the cause, several specialized laboratory and imaging studies may be applied, which your treating ophthalmologist will prescribe.
• Seek an eye specialist at the first symptoms – pain, blurred vision, redness, and sensitivity to light
• Do not self-treat with drops without consultation
• Strictly follow the prescribed treatment
• Attend follow-up check-ups, even if the symptoms subside

In case of recurrence, act quickly – early treatment prevents complications!