---
title: "Iritis (anterior uveitis) | Eye Health Guide"
description: "What iritis is, how this inflammatory eye disease differs from conjunctivitis, and why prompt treatment prevents complications."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/conditions/iritis/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Condition

# Iritis (anterior uveitis)

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

Iritis is inflammation of the iris at the front of the eye, a form of anterior uveitis. It causes a painful, red, light-sensitive eye with blurred vision, unlike most cases of conjunctivitis. Prompt anti-inflammatory treatment reduces pain and helps prevent complications such as glaucoma or cataract.

### On this page ⌄

1. Your next step
2. What it is
3. Common symptoms
4. Causes
5. Treatment
6. Related conditions
7. Frequently asked questions

## What it is

Iritis affects the uvea at the front of the eye, especially the iris. It is the most common form of uveitis and is an inflammation inside the eye, not just on the surface.

## Common symptoms

Symptoms often come on fairly quickly.

- Painful, red eye
- Marked light sensitivity
- Blurred or reduced vision
- Small or irregularly shaped pupil sometimes

## Causes

It may be linked to autoimmune conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, or infection and injury. Sometimes no cause is found.

## Treatment

Steroid eye drops are the main treatment, with follow-up to monitor pressure and inflammation. Delay increases the risk of complications. A red, painful, light-sensitive eye should not be assumed to be simple conjunctivitis.

## Related conditions

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the difference between iritis and conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis mainly affects the surface and is often itchy or sticky. Iritis is deeper, causing more pain, light sensitivity and blurred vision, and needs prompt anti-inflammatory treatment.

### Is iritis the same as uveitis?

Iritis is a type of anterior uveitis affecting the front of the eye. Uveitis can also affect deeper parts of the eye.

### How is iritis treated?

Steroid eye drops are the main treatment, with close follow-up to check eye pressure and inflammation. Early treatment reduces complications.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [National Eye Institute - Uveitis](https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/uveitis)