Iritis

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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Iritis is inflammation of your iris. The iris is the colored part of your eye.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your doctor or ophthalmologist if:

• You have severe eye pain and a headache.
• Your vision suddenly gets worse.
• You have nausea or are vomiting.
• Your pain gets worse, even after treatment.
• You see halos or rainbows around lights.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• Cycloplegic eyedrops dilate your pupil and relax your eye muscles. This helps decrease pain and light sensitivity.
• Steroid eyedrops help decrease pain and inflammation. These are only used for a short time to relieve the inflammation. You may be given steroid medicine as pills if the cause of your iritis is not an infection.
• Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• prednisolone
• Lotemax
• Maxidex
• Alrex
• Kenalog-40

View more treatment options

Manage iritis:

• Apply a warm compress to your eye. Wet a washcloth in warm water and wring it out. Place it gently over your eye for 20 minutes 3 to 4 times each day. This will help soothe your eye and decrease inflammation.
• Wear dark sunglasses. This will help prevent pain and light sensitivity. Make sure the sunglasses have UVA and UVB protection. This will protect your eyes when you go outside.
• Use eyedrops safely. If your treatment plan includes eyedrops, it is important to use them as directed. Your provider may give you detailed instructions to follow. The eyedrops may also come with safety instructions. Follow all instructions to help prevent an infection. Do not touch the tip of the bottle to your eye. Germs from your eye can spread to the medicine bottle.

Follow up with your doctor or ophthalmologist within 24 hours:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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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.

Further information

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