Iritis: Care Instructions

Cross section of eye, showing sclera, cornea, pupil, iris, lens, retina, and optic nerve.

Iritis is an inflammation of the colored part of the eye. This part of the eye is called the iris. Iritis can cause redness and pain. It can make your eyes more sensitive to light. And it may make your pupil very small.

Iritis is most often treated with prescription eyedrops. Treatment can usually prevent long-term problems with vision. Iritis can keep coming back, so you will need follow-up care with an eye doctor (ophthalmologist).

Anterior uveitis (say "you-vee-EYE-tus") and iridocyclitis (say "eer-ih-doh-suh-KLY-tus") are other terms used to refer to this problem.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

If the doctor gave you eyedrops, use them exactly as directed. Use the medicine for as long as instructed, even if your eye starts to look better soon. Contact your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your eyedrops.
To put in eyedrops or ointment:
- Before and after you put medicine in the eye, wash your hands with soap and clean, running water for at least 20 seconds.
- Check the label to make certain if you:
  - Have the right medicine, know how much to use, and know how often to apply it.
  - Should shake the medicine (if drops) before using.
  - Should put the medicine in one eye or both.
- Tilt your head back, and pull your lower eyelid down with one finger.
- Drop (if eyedrops) or apply a small strip (if ointment) of the medicine inside the lower lid, or as directed by the doctor.
- Close your eye for 30 to 60 seconds, and then blink a few times to let the drops or ointment move onto your eye.
- Do not touch the ointment tip or dropper tip to your eyelashes or anywhere else.
Take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Read and follow all instructions on the label.
Make sure you go to all of your follow-up appointments. You will need a complete eye exam from an eye doctor.

When should you call for help?

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

You have new or increasing eye pain.
You have vision changes in either eye.
You become very uncomfortable looking at bright lights.
Your pupil is small.
You have an increase in the number of floaters.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

You have new or worse symptoms.
You do not get better as expected.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter B112 in the search box to learn more about "Iritis: Care Instructions".

Current as of: January 11, 2026

Author: WebMD Ignite Staff

Clinical Review Board
All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: January 11, 2026

Author: WebMD Ignite Staff

Clinical Review Board
All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.