Iritis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Iritis is when the iris of your eye is irritated. The iris is the colored part of the eye. Iritis usually only happens in one eye. It may begin quickly or slowly. Your eye may hurt and you may have blurred vision (seeing). Your eye may be red and your eyes may make more tears than usual. Also, bright light may hurt your eyes. Often the cause of iritis is unknown. An infection from another part of the body can cause iritis. An eye injury or some diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease or sarcoid can also cause iritis. Iritis usually lasts 2 to 6 weeks, but some people may have symptoms longer. If treated early, iritis usually goes away without any loss of vision (seeing).

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Medicines:
  
  
  • Keep a written list of what medicines you take and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicines. Do not take any medicines without first talking to caregivers.
    
    
  • Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking it until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking antibiotics (an-ti-bi-ah-tiks), take them until they are all gone even if you feel better.
    
    
  • Your caregiver may prescribe medicines like eye drops or ointment to lessen swelling and irritation.
    
    
  • If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.
  
  
• Use warm compresses to lessen pain. Heat brings blood to the area and helps it heal faster. Do this by soaking a clean washcloth in warm water. Wring out the washcloth and place it gently over your eye. Do this for 15 to 20 minutes out of every hour as long as you need it. Change to a clean warm compress when no longer warm.
  
  
• Wear dark glasses, even when indoors, until treatment is finished. This will help reduce pain and sensitivity to light.
  
  
• Rest as much as possible, especially for the next 1 to 2 weeks.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have any problems that may be related to the medicine you are taking.
  
  

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have bad, throbbing eye pain and headache.
  
  
• Your vision (seeing) suddenly becomes blurred.
  
  
• You see halos around lights.
  
  
• Your eyeball is painful and hard to the touch.
  
  
• You become nauseated or start to vomit.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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