How dangerous is iridocyclitis?
Anterior uveitis (iridocyclitis) is generally not serious if treated promptly. However, if left untreated for a prolonged period, it may cause significant pain and even lead to severe visual loss or phthisis bulbi (shrinkage of the eyeball), resulting in serious consequences.
It is commonly caused by bacterial or viral infections, or irritation from foreign bodies. Most patients experience symptoms such as ciliary congestion, eye pain, and photophobia. Timely treatment following medical advice—such as using corticosteroids like dexamethasone injection, hydrocortisone injection, or prednisone acetate tablets—can effectively control inflammation and preserve normal eye function.
If treatment is delayed and the optimal window for intervention is missed, patients may suffer intolerable pain and progressive vision loss. In severe cases, complications such as secondary glaucoma or phthisis bulbi may develop, leading to substantial loss of eye function.