Why is Iritis serious?
If iritis is not treated properly there can be complications that threaten the vision. These complications occur because the inflamed iris gets sticky and adheres to the lens of the eye, which lies directly behind it, or to the cornea which is in front of it. The areas of stickiness are called synechiae and can be dangerous because they can block the normal flow of fluid in the eye and lead to glaucoma. Glaucoma results in very high pressure inside the eye which can lead to blindness. Other complications of iritis include: cataracts, retinal swelling and other internal eye damage. Treatment If the iritis is severe, the intraocular muscles must be rested and the pupil must be kept dilated (enlarged) with cycloplegic eye drops. These help relieve much of the pain because they allow the iris and the other intraocular muscle (the ciliary body) to rest by preventing their normal constriction, especially in bright light; the dilation also keeps the iris away from the lens and cornea so that
