Cyclitis refers to the inflammation of the ciliary body, a specialized structure located in the middle layer of the eye, known as the uvea. This part of the eye has two distinct roles. The ciliary body is responsible for producing the aqueous humor, the clear fluid that fills the front part of the eye and helps maintain its shape and nourishment. Additionally, it controls the shape of the eye’s lens, which is necessary for focusing light onto the retina and enabling clear vision.
Causes of Cyclitis
Inflammation of the ciliary body can arise from various underlying conditions. Autoimmune diseases or systemic inflammatory disorders are common causes, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, including those in the eye. Examples of such conditions include sarcoidosis, a disease causing inflammation in various organs, and multiple sclerosis, which affects the brain and spinal cord.
Infections can also trigger cyclitis, with several pathogens capable of reaching the eye. These include viral infections like herpes simplex, parasitic infections such as toxoplasmosis, and bacterial infections like syphilis. Physical trauma or injury to the eye, such as a blunt force impact, can also lead to inflammation of the ciliary body. In many instances, however, a specific cause for cyclitis cannot be identified, and such cases are classified as idiopathic.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Cyclitis often causes a dull, aching pain in the affected eye, ranging from mild to severe. Sensitivity to light, known as photophobia, is a prominent symptom, making bright environments uncomfortable. Vision often becomes blurred.
Many people also notice “floaters,” which are small specks, spots, or cobweb-like shapes that drift across their field of vision. These floaters are caused by inflammatory cells and debris suspended in the aqueous humor. Symptoms can manifest in one or both eyes simultaneously and may develop gradually or appear suddenly, depending on the underlying cause.
The Diagnostic Process
Diagnosing cyclitis begins with a thorough eye examination by an ophthalmologist. The primary tool is the slit-lamp microscope, providing a magnified, three-dimensional view of the eye’s internal structures. This allows the doctor to observe inflammatory cells and protein deposits, often described as “flare,” within the aqueous humor.
During the examination, the ophthalmologist will also measure the eye’s internal pressure. Cyclitis can sometimes lead to increased intraocular pressure, potentially contributing to glaucoma if left unmanaged. If an underlying systemic disease or infection is suspected as the cause, additional diagnostic tests may be ordered, including blood tests to identify specific markers or imaging studies to assess other parts of the body.
Treatment Approaches
Treating cyclitis primarily focuses on reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms. Corticosteroid eye drops are the most common initial treatment, applied directly to the eye to suppress the immune response. For more severe cases, or when inflammation does not respond adequately to drops, oral corticosteroids or steroid injections around the eye may be administered to deliver a stronger anti-inflammatory effect.
Another class of medications, cycloplegic eye drops, are frequently used to dilate the pupil. These drops help to reduce pain by relaxing the ciliary body muscles and preventing the iris from adhering to the lens, a complication known as posterior synechiae. If an underlying infection, such as herpes simplex or toxoplasmosis, is identified, specific antiviral or antiparasitic medications will be prescribed to target the pathogen directly. Similarly, if an autoimmune disease is diagnosed, managing that systemic condition is an integral part of cyclitis treatment. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor the eye’s response, adjust medications as needed, and screen for potential long-term complications like cataracts or glaucoma.