Common Causes Of Iritis

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a disease where multiple organs around the body are affected by inflammation. The most common organs affected include the lungs and the lymph nodes. Sarcoidosis is considered an autoimmune disease where the immune system abnormally attacks its own healthy tissues in several organ systems and regions throughout the body. Sarcoidosis can have ophthalmologic and ocular manifestations as the disease progresses to its severe stages. Ocular sarcoidosis can involve any part of the eye and any adjacent regions. It can cause eyelid abnormalities, optic neuropathy, orbital inflammation, cataracts, glaucoma, episcleritis, conjunctival granuloma, lacrimal gland enlargement, and uveitis. Iritis occurs because the immune system cells abnormally attack the iris, causing it to become inflamed. Often times, iritis caused by ocular sarcoidosis is treated using topical corticosteroids to reduce the abnormal inflammatory response of the immune system.

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Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation of the spine and other joints. This condition can lead to new bone development in the spine or ankylosis that causes the spinal sections to fuse into an immobile position. Pain, inflammation, and stiffness can also occur in other parts of the body as a result of ankylosing spondylitis. These parts include the hips, heels, small joints of the feet and hands, shoulders, ribs, lungs, and eyes. Iritis is a common complication of ankylosing spondylitis. Iritis is triggered in patients with this condition by bright lights. These attacks can be recurrent, and they may affect either one of the eyes. It is suggested the abnormal immune response that causes iritis is similar in terms of its mechanism to the abnormal immune response in the spine that occurs in ankylosing spondylitis patients. The exact relation of such processes, however, remains unclear. Iritis caused by ankylosing spondylitis is usually treated with the use of Cycloplegic eyedrops and anti-inflammatory eye drops.

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