When inflammation of the iris develops, this is termed iritis. Most often, the cause is not known. However, iritis may be associated with various forms of autoimmune arthritides, infections, and malignancies. The eye may be red but without any discharge. The pupil may be small.
Symptoms occur most frequently in one eye but can occasionally occur in both eyes.
Treatment is aimed at decreasing inflammation. Steroid eye drops are often prescribed. Also, a dilating eye drop will often be used concurrently to relax the irritated iris. This decreases the discomfort of iritis and prevents the inflamed iris from sticking to the lens. Laboratory tests may be ordered by your ophthalmologist to determine a treatable cause of the iritis.