Anterior Uveitis (Iritis/Iridocyclitis)
Ophthalmology: Intraocular Inflammation
1. Clinical Presentation
Anterior uveitis is inflammation of the iris and/or ciliary body. It presents as an ocular emergency requiring prompt detection to prevent permanent damage.
- Symptoms: Pain, photophobia, blurred vision, and red eye.
- Signs: Ciliary flush (limbal injection), cells and flare in the anterior chamber (detected via slit lamp), and potentially miosis (constricted pupil).
2. Diagnostic & Etiological Considerations
| Key Association | Clinical Context |
|---|---|
| HLA-B27 Positive | Strongly associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis, Reactive Arthritis, and IBD. |
| Keratic Precipitates (KPs) | White inflammatory deposits on the corneal endothelium; “mutton-fat” KPs suggest granulomatous disease (e.g., Sarcoidosis, TB). |
| Synechiae | Adhesions between the iris and lens (posterior) or the iris and cornea (anterior). |
3. Management & High-Yield Pearls
- Standard Treatment: Topical corticosteroids (to reduce inflammation) and cycloplegics (to relieve pain and prevent synechiae formation).
- Complication: Untreated anterior uveitis can lead to secondary glaucoma (due to trabecular meshwork obstruction) and cataracts.
- Diagnostic Pearl: Always perform a thorough systemic review; a “first-time” anterior uveitis warrants investigation for underlying systemic autoimmune or infectious diseases.
- Educational Resource: For management algorithms, slit-lamp grading scales for AC reaction, and high-yield question banks, visit mymedschool.org.