Iridocyclitis

Iridocyclitis, a subtype of anterior uveitis, is a medical term describing inflammation of the vascular layer of the eye, which includes the iris and ciliary body. Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea (i.e., middle layer of the eye) and may be divided into anterior and posterior uveitis. Anterior uveitis includes iritis (i.e., inflammation of the iris) and cyclitis (i.e., inflammation of the ciliary body). When both are inflamed, it is known as iridocyclitis. The iris is the colored ring of tissue in the eye, while the ciliary body includes the muscles and tissues extending from the posterior base of the iris that controls the shape of the lens (i.e., structure responsible for focusing light). The ciliary body also produces aqueous humor, a fluid that regulates intraocular pressure and provides nutrition to the anterior part of the eye.  

Posterior uveitis, on the other hand, may be defined as vitritis (i.e., inflammation of the vitreous body, also known as vitreous humor), choroiditis (i.e., inflammation of the choroid), and retinitis (i.e., inflammation affecting the retina). The vitreous body is the gel-like substance inside the eye; the choroid is the vascular layer of the eye between the retina and the sclera; and finally, the retina is a layer of tissue that converts light to nerve signals in the brain.

Treatment of iridocyclitis may depend on the underlying condition. Systemic or topical glucocorticoids may be useful to treat certain inflammatory diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis. Cycloplegic mydriatics (i.e., medications that dilate the pupil), such as atropine or scopolamine, and analgesics may reduce pain. If iridocyclitis is caused by infection, antimicrobial therapy may be required.