Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
Anterior uveitis, also known as iritis is an inflammation of the coloured part of the eye known as the iris.
What causes iritis?
In spite of all investigations, including x-rays and blood tests over half of the cases of iritis end up having no known cause.
Some conditions are known to be associated with iritis for example, inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease and ankylosing spondylitis.
What are the symptoms of iritis?
Patients with iritis typically present with a red and painful eye especially when looking into a bright light, they may also experience a clear watery discharge. Usually only one eye is affected but on rare occasions both could be subject to problems. Vision can be normal or blurred.
Is iritis a sight threatening condition?
Most cases of iritis are not sight threatening, mild and respond well to treatment. If left untreated for a long period of time it may become worse and could lead to some degree of permanent visual loss.
Your GP or optician may refer you to see an ophthalmologist so that you will be given correct treatment once iritis is confirmed.
How soon do I need to be seen by the eye specialist?
Ideally you will need to be seen within 24 - 72 hours from the time that you were originally referred.
What is the treatment of iritis?
Steroid eye drops are the main treatment for iritis. Throughout the first few days of treatment you will be asked to use the eye drops frequently; depending on the severity you may be asked to use the drops every half an hour.
As well as steroid drops you will also be given dilating drops to make your pupils bigger. They are an important part of your treatment as they prevent your pupil from developing scar tissue. While using the drops your vision may become blurry but this should improve once you have stopped taking the drops.
Once the inflammation is under control, you will be asked to reduce the frequency of your eye drops, usually one drop less each week, and the dilating eye drops can then be stopped. The usual course of treatment is about 6 weeks.
Sometimes the eye pressure can increase due to iritis itself or as a result of using the steroid drops, in which case you will be given a different type of drop to reduce the pressure. The eye pressure drops can be stopped once your iritis recovers and your eyes pressure is back to normal.
Can I drive whilst I have iritis?
This depends on the level of vision you have; you will need to ask your eye specialist if you are safe to do so.
How often do I need to be reviewed?
Most iritis cases are reviewed twice to check they are responding well to treatment without any complications. If your iritis has resolved without any complications, then after your second visit you will usually be discharged.
What happens if I feel my iritis coming back?
You will need to contact the emergency eye clinic using the numbers below, so you can be booked for a review within 72 hours.
|
From 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday: |
0300 373 5884 |
| From 5pm to 9am and at weekends: | 0300 614 5000 and ask for the eye doctor on call |
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Ophthalmology service.
About this information
Service:
Ophthalmology
Reference:
QQ/003
Approval date:
2 August 2024
Review date:
1 July 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.