Iridocyclitis – causes, symptoms & therapy

Iridocyclitis

Iridocyclitis is an inflammation that affects both the iris and the ciliary body . This disease can have a wide variety of causes and generally requires treatment by a specialist, as it can result in visual impairments or, in the worst case, complete blindness.

What is iridocyclitis?

The term iridocyclitis is used in medicine to describe an inflammation of the inner eye. It affects the iris (iris) and the ciliary body. The ciliary body serves as a suspension for the iris, has a ring-shaped structure and, with a ring-shaped muscle, also adjusts visual acuity (lens accommodation).

The iris itself also has its own muscular structures . It works like a camera shutter. Since there is a close anatomical connection between the iris and the ciliary body, inflammation often occurs in both organs at the same time. Iridocyclitis is therefore a compact clinical picture.

causes

Basically, the inflammatory disease iridocyclitis can be based on two causes. On the one hand, infections caused by viruses or bacteria can be the cause. If, for example, an infection occurs with gonococci ( gonorrhea ) or with herpes viruses (e.g. herpes zoster – shingles , herpes simplex), these spread to the region of the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye. In rare cases, infection with the bacterium Leptospira (Weil’s disease) can also occur.On the other hand, non-infectious causes come into question. The triggers here are different. Irritant chemicals or systemic underlying diseases can be the cause of iridocyclitis. Autoimmune diseases from the rheumatic area can also lead to iridocyclitis.

Other known triggers are juvenile arthritis and chronic inflammation of the intestines ( Crohn’s disease ). Furthermore, diseases of the connective tissue (e.g. Sjörgen syndrome, sarcoidosis ) can be responsible for iridocyclitis. Another cause of the inflammation of the eyes can be the disease of the spine, an autoimmune disorder (Bechterew’s disease).

symptoms and course

Typical symptoms of iridocyclitis:

Typical symptoms of iridocyclitis include eye pain, sensitivity to light, visual disturbances, changes in the color of the pupil, adhesions between the iris and the cornea, a slowed reaction of the pupils and deposits of protein in the cornea. As soon as there is adhesion between the iris and the cornea or even the lens, both eyes are usually affected.

In general, iridocyclitis initially begins on one side. Early treatment by the ophthalmologist can possibly prevent serious consequences. Among other things, calcium infiltrations in the cornea, glaucoma and cataracts (cataracta complicata) are possible during the course of the disease. If the ciliary body is damaged to such an extent that it is no longer possible to secrete aqueous humor, the entire eye will shrink. The result of iridocyclitis is then complete blindness.

Diagnose

In order to make a clear diagnosis of iridocyclitis, the ophthalmologist will first ask the patient about any symptoms that occur and draw up an anamnesis. Painful eyes, blurred vision and sensitivity to light can already be the first signs. To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will perform an ophthalmoscopy. Cloudy aqueous humor is typical of iridocyclitis.

complications

Iridocyclitis is a very serious disease. In the worst case, and especially if the disease is not treated, the patient can become completely blind. This is irreversible and can no longer be treated. Those affected suffer from iridocyclitis primarily from severe pain in the eyes. Sensitivity to light can also occur and is often associated with visual disturbances. Furthermore, the eyes stick strongly and there is a change in the color of the pupils. Eye movements and reflexes are severely slowed down, which can lead to significant limitations in everyday life.

Without treatment, the affected person loses sight completely as the disease progresses. Iridocyclitis can also lead to psychological problems or depression . Young people in particular can suffer greatly from sudden vision loss. The quality of life is significantly reduced and restricted by iridocyclitis. Cataracts or glaucoma can also develop. With the treatment itself, as a rule, there are no special complications. If the disease is detected early, it can be treated relatively well.

treatment and therapy

Various causal therapies are necessary for iridocyclitis depending on the respective cause. If there is a systemic underlying disease, a responsible specialist must be consulted. If the triggers are not due to an infection, a rheumatologist is often consulted. The ophthalmologist will treat all eye symptoms. Therapy is with glucocorticoids.

These are drugs that are similar to cortisone and inhibit inflammation. They are first given in the form of eye drops. If this treatment method is unsuccessful, then the drugs are administered orally. Immunosuppressants are used to reduce the inflammatory reactions caused by iridocyclitis . They are a good alternative to hormone preparations. This is particularly useful because glucocorticoids lead to serious side effects over time. This also includes eye diseases, which should actually be avoided by the administration of medication.

In the further course of treatment, patients are given eye drops to temporarily widen the pupil. This keeps the iris in motion and prevents it from sticking to either the cornea or the lens. If it is an iridocyclitis caused by an infection, the doctor will first fight the respective pathogen. Invading bacteria are killed with antibiotics , and virus replication is inhibited with antivirals. Infrared light exposure can provide general relief from the symptoms of iridocyclitis.

prevention

It is difficult to prevent iridocyclitis in general and specifically. If the affected patient suffers from a systemic underlying disease, the first preventative measure is to treat it. The ophthalmologist should always be informed about such diseases when a routine check-up is due.In general, every person who is informed as a patient should always know exactly that diseases can spread quickly in the body due to infections . It is therefore particularly important to always pay attention to your eyes. Unfortunately, it is not possible to completely avoid developing iridocyclitis. Not least for this reason, at least early treatment of the disease itself and possible underlying diseases is important.

Dorothy Farrar

Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.

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