Keratitis vs. Iritis — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 3, 2024
Keratitis is the inflammation of the cornea, typically marked by eye redness and pain, whereas iritis involves inflammation of the iris, often causing photophobia and blurred vision.
Difference Between Keratitis and Iritis
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Key Differences
Keratitis primarily affects the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, which can become inflamed due to infection or injury. Whereas, iritis specifically targets the iris, the colored part of the eye, and is commonly associated with autoimmune disorders.
Keratitis symptoms include severe pain, redness, and sensitivity to light, and may also result in blurred vision and watery eyes. On the other hand, iritis presents with deep eye pain, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and decreased vision, and can cause the iris to stick to the lens or cornea.
Keratitis can be caused by bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections, as well as by non-infectious factors like dry eyes and trauma. Whereas iritis may result from autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, infections, or trauma.
Treatment for keratitis often involves antibacterial, antiviral, or antifungal medications depending on the cause, and may include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. In contrast, iritis treatment typically focuses on corticosteroid eye drops to control inflammation and dilating drops to prevent the iris from sticking to the lens.
Complications of untreated keratitis can lead to corneal scarring and vision loss. On the other hand, untreated iritis can result in cataracts, glaucoma, and even permanent vision impairment due to damage to the eye structures.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Inflammation of the cornea
Inflammation of the iris
Symptoms
Redness, pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity
Deep eye pain, photophobia, blurred vision
Causes
Infections, dry eyes, trauma
Autoimmune diseases, infections, trauma
Treatment
Antimicrobial therapy, corticosteroids
Corticosteroid eye drops, pupil dilators
Potential Complications
Corneal scarring, vision loss
Cataracts, glaucoma, permanent vision impairment
Compare with Definitions
Keratitis
Inflammation of the cornea often due to infection or injury.
The patient's keratitis was diagnosed after a detailed examination following symptoms of severe eye pain.
Iritis
Symptoms can be alleviated with appropriate medication.
Once on the right medication, her symptoms of iritis began to improve.
Keratitis
Can be triggered by non-infectious factors like ultraviolet exposure.
Wearing UV protective sunglasses can help prevent certain types of keratitis.
Iritis
Inflammation of the iris, part of the uveal tract in the eye.
Iritis is often more painful and problematic than it initially appears.
Keratitis
A condition marked by corneal clouding and vision disruption.
Keratitis can lead to significant vision problems if not treated promptly.
Iritis
Frequently linked to systemic autoimmune conditions.
His diagnosis of iritis was the first clue to uncovering an underlying autoimmune disorder.
Keratitis
Often associated with contact lens wearers.
Improper use of contact lenses is a common cause of keratitis.
Iritis
Can cause complications like synechiae where the iris adheres to the lens.
The iritis led to synechiae, complicating her condition further.
Keratitis
Requires medical intervention to prevent complications.
She sought immediate medical attention for her keratitis to avoid any long-term damage.
Iritis
Treatment aims to reduce inflammation and prevent further eye damage.
Early treatment of iritis is crucial to maintain eye health and vision.
Keratitis
Keratitis is a condition in which the eye's cornea, the clear dome on the front surface of the eye, becomes inflamed. The condition is often marked by moderate to intense pain and usually involves any of the following symptoms: pain, impaired eyesight, photophobia (light sensitivity), red eye and a 'gritty' sensation.
Iritis
Inflammation of the iris of the eye.
Keratitis
Inflammation of the cornea.
Iritis
(pathology) An inflammation of the iris.
Keratitis
(disease) Inflammation of the cornea.
Iritis
An inflammation of the iris of the eye.
Keratitis
Inflammation of the cornea.
Iritis
Inflammation of the iris
Keratitis
Inflammation of the cornea causing watery painful eyes and blurred vision
Common Curiosities
What are the symptoms of iritis?
Symptoms include deep eye pain, photophobia, and blurred vision.
What causes iritis?
Iritis can be caused by autoimmune disorders, infections, or eye injuries.
How is keratitis different from iritis?
Keratitis affects the cornea and is often caused by infections, whereas iritis involves the iris and is more linked to autoimmune diseases.
What is the treatment for iritis?
Iritis is treated with corticosteroid eye drops and pupil dilators.
What is keratitis?
Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea, the clear layer forming the front of the eye.
What are common symptoms of keratitis?
Symptoms include eye redness, pain, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light.
How is keratitis treated?
Treatment typically involves antimicrobial medications and corticosteroids.
How quickly should one seek treatment for iritis?
Immediate medical attention is recommended to prevent complications.
Can wearing contacts cause keratitis?
Yes, improper use of contact lenses can increase the risk of developing keratitis.
Can keratitis lead to vision loss?
Yes, if untreated, keratitis can lead to corneal scarring and vision loss.
What are the complications of iritis?
Complications can include cataracts, glaucoma, and permanent vision impairment.
Is iritis a chronic condition?
Iritis can be either acute or chronic, depending on the underlying cause.
Is iritis contagious?
No, iritis is not contagious but can be associated with contagious systemic infections.
What are preventive measures for keratitis?
Maintaining good eye hygiene, especially with contact lenses, can prevent keratitis.
Can children get keratitis or iritis?
Yes, both conditions can occur in children, though they may require different management strategies.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
