Overview

Iritis is a common condition caused by inflammation of your iris (the coloured part of your eye). It can affect either eye, but usually only affects 1 eye at any time.

Usually, when you have had iritis, it will come back later on, but some people only ever get it one time. 

We do not know the cause of iritis. In half of cases, iritis only happens in the eye, but it's also associated with other inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis. It's sometimes associated with an infection.

Symptoms of iritis

Symptoms of iritis include: 

• aching, painful red-eye, made worse by bright light or when trying to read
• blurred vision

Diagnosing iritis

Iritis is diagnosed by examining your eye with a microscope, which is why your doctor might refer you to the eye department at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital.

The ophthalmologist (specialist eye doctor) or nurse will examine your eye using the microscope. They will put some drops in your eye so they can see the back of it. These drops will make your vision blurred for about 2 to 3 hours.

Sometimes the doctor will order blood tests or X-rays to see if we can find out why you have iritis.

Driving 

You must not drive while your vision is affected.

You can wait in the eye department until the drops have worn off, or you can ask a friend or relative to escort you home.