From the Research
Diagnosing iritis requires a comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist, utilizing a slit-lamp examination to visualize inflammatory cells and protein in the anterior chamber of the eye, as well as other diagnostic tests to assess the extent of the condition and potential underlying systemic causes 1. To diagnose iritis, the following steps should be taken:
- A detailed medical history and symptoms assessment should be conducted to identify eye pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, and redness.
- A slit-lamp examination should be performed to visualize inflammatory cells and protein (flare) in the anterior chamber of the eye.
- The examiner should check for cell deposits on the corneal endothelium (keratic precipitates) and adhesions between the iris and lens (posterior synechiae).
- Pupillary examination may reveal an irregular or poorly reactive pupil.
- Intraocular pressure measurement is important as iritis can cause either elevated or decreased eye pressure.
- Additional tests may include dilated fundus examination to rule out posterior segment involvement and visual acuity testing.
- Laboratory tests like ESR, CRP, HLA-B27, and others may be ordered to identify underlying systemic conditions associated with iritis, such as ankylosing spondylitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or sarcoidosis, as noted in 2 and 3. The most recent and highest quality study, 1, emphasizes the importance of a complete examination, including visual acuity, extraocular movements, pupillary response, slit lamp examination, and fluorescein staining, to establish the diagnosis of ocular inflammation and infection, which includes iritis. It is crucial to prioritize prompt diagnosis and treatment of iritis to prevent complications, including cataracts, glaucoma, and permanent vision loss, as highlighted in 2 and 1.