Visual acuity may be decreased in the affected eye. Extraocular movement generally is normal. On the pupillary exam, the patient may have direct photophobia when the light is directed into the affected eye, as well as consensual photophobia when light is directed into the uninvolved eye. Consensual photophobia is helpful in distinguishing between iritis and more superficial causes of photophobia, such as conjunctivitis. In the latter, direct, but not consensual, photophobia is noted.
Pupillary miosis is common.
Examine the epithelium for abrasions, edema, ulcers, or foreign bodies. Inspect the stroma for deep ulcers and edema. The most important structure to examine is the anterior chamber, which is bound by the cornea and the iris and is filled with aqueous humor. Examine the anterior chamber using a vertically and horizontally short beam. Normally, the aqueous humor is optically clear.