Ophthalmology >>>> Iridocyclitis of the eye

Iridocyclitis of the eye.

The anterior part of the choroid, formed by the iris and the ciliary body, often undergoes inflammatory processes due to the fact that the infection (viral, bacterial or protozoal etiology), spreading with the bloodstream from nearby foci, is able to reach the blood supply system of the eye. When the inflammatory process affects the ciliary body (the invisible part of the eye involved in the blood supply to the muscle that changes the curvature of the lens), the disease is called "cyclitis". If only the iris is involved in the inflammatory process, then the disease is called iritis. But, as a rule, the iris and the ciliary body are simultaneously involved in the inflammatory process (due to their close contact), and the disease acquires the name - "iridocyclitis".

In addition to infectious components, the cause of iridocyclitis can be diseases of the vascular wall, connective tissue diseases, trauma (mechanical and chemical), hypothermia, allergic reactions, metabolic disorders (affecting the tissues of the eye), systemic diseases of autoimmune etiology, diseases of the oral cavity and teeth, diseases paranasal sinuses and even stress.

An important role in the initiation of the inflammatory process in the choroid of the eye is played by inflammatory mediators (biologically active substances that change tissue metabolism, disrupt blood microcirculation and transform tissue structure) - histamine, acetylcholine, serotonin, interleukins, interferons, the complement system and others. Disturbances in the structure of the tissues of the choroid of the eye can lead to its cicatricial changes, atrophy, which will certainly affect the operation of the entire optical apparatus of the eye. Hence, there are visual impairments in iridocyclitis and the danger of losing it.

Iridocyclitis can be acute or become chronic with improper and ineffective treatment. Poorly and untimely treated iridocyclitis may recur. Most often, iridocyclitis occurs within one eye, but with improper eye care (rubbing with hands, one cotton swab in both eyes) or with a focus of infection located close to both eyes, it can spread to the other eye.

Signs of iridocyclitis:

Gas reddening,
Puffiness of the eyelids,
Burning sensation,
Lachrymation,
Deterioration of vision,
Changes in the color of the iris are possible,
Possible "sourness of the eye" and suppuration (depends on the form of the course of iridocyclitis - serous, purulent, etc.),
Headaches,
Pain in the affected eye.

It is not recommended to treat iridocyclitis on your own , since the effectiveness of treatment and the associated complications depend on the correct diagnosis of the cause of iridocyclitis and the appointment of adequate treatment (antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory). To relieve pain, you can use eye drops with atropine and antihistamines. Conservative treatment of purulent iridocyclitis may include proteolytic enzymes to accelerate the resorption of purulent exudate and prevent tissue scarring. After the inflammatory process has subsided, physiotherapeutic treatment can be used: electrophoresis, phonophoresis and other methods. When forming adhesions, surgical intervention is recommended in order to excise the modified tissue.