Overview:

Iritis is an inflammation of the iris and also sometimes the ciliary body, which is located behind the iris. In iritis, small white blood cells from the inflamed area and excess protein that leaked from the small blood vessels inside the eye float into the aqueous fluid between the iris and the cornea.

Symptoms:

• Redness
• Throbbing pain
• Light Sensitivity
• Tearing
• The pupil may become smaller in the affected eye

Causes:

The cause of iritis is not known. Even when the disorder is treated early, it often recurs. In most cases, however, it eventually disappears.

See "Drugs That Harm the Eyes" for a description of potentially harmful drugs.

Conventional Treatment:

Since the cause of iritis is not known, a very careful medical history needs to be taken. Your doctor may recommend chest X-rays, blood tests, stool evaluation, skin tests or even a spinal tap.

The first line of treatment is usually steroid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory eyedrops. If the inflammation persists or comes back, your doctor may also inject steroids around your eye or prescribe additional oral steroids, antibiotics, antifungals, or antivirals.

A case of itiris usually lasts six to eight weeks. Make sure your eye doctor monitors your progress carefully. The effects of the medication can be cataracts, glaucoma, corneal changes and possibly more inflammation.

Complementary Treatment:

Products below are listed in order of priority:

If you are not sure which nutrients you need, we offer free consultations either by e-mail or by telephone (845-255-8222).

Essential: Carlson's Fine Fish Oil is in liquid form. One bottle contains 6.7 fluid ounces, and 1 teaspoon contains 1600 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids (800 mg of EPA and 500 mg of DHA), plus 14 mg of antioxidants to preserve freshness. Omega-3 fatty acids help improve circulation, integrity of blood vessels, proper brain functioning, flexibility and permeability of cell membranes, and helps protect the retina's photoreceptor cells. Recommended dosage is 1-2 teaspoonfuls once a day. Cost is $20 per bottle ($18 on automatic delivery).
Essential: N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) assists in the production and use of glutathione in the eyes. Cost is $30 per bottle ($28 on automatic delivery). Recommended dosage is 1 capsule per day (90 capsules per bottle). Each capsule contains 900 mg. This is a 3-month supply.
Essential: Vitamin C Time-Released Tablets - Each bottle contains 100 - 1,000 mg time-released tablets with 100 mg of lemon bioflavenoids. Time-C-Bio tablets are formulated to provide a gradual release of vitamin C and bioflavonoids over a period of 6 to 8 hours. Vitamin C has been shown in studies to help prevent cataracts,and also helps make collagen which strengthens the capillaries that nourish the retina, protects against UV light and is a powerful antioxidant. The eye contains the second highest concentration of vitamin C in the body next to the adrenal glands. Cost $15.50 per bottle ($14.50 on automatic delivery). Recommended dosage is 2 tablets per day (2,000 mg total) with meals.
Essential MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)capsules: is a naturally-occurring sulfur compound and dietary derivative of DMSO. MSM and arthritis have been associated together through arthritis studies over the past 25 years, and indications are that MSM can provide relief partly due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties. Recommended dosage is 2,000 mg per day (2 capsules). Each bottle contains 120 capsules. Cost is $20 per bottle ($18 on automatic delivery).
Essential MSM Eyedrops soften the membranes, allowing fluids to pass through the optical tissues. When our optical membranes become permeable, nutrients are able to penetrate through the optical tissues and provide nutrients needed for the body to heal itself. MSM softens tough-leathery tissue, equalizes pressure, repairs damaged membranes, clears up red spots and broken blood vessels and may help remove floaters and other eye particles. Cost is $8 per 1 oz bottle.
Essential SP-Zyme (Serratia Peptidase)This nutrient is a natural chelating anti-inflammatory agent. A gift from silkworms, SP-Zyme (Serratia Peptidase) has wide clinical use spanning over twenty-five years throughout Europe and Asia as a viable alternative to salicylates, ibuprofen and the more potent NSAIDS. Unlke these drugs, SP-Zyme (Serratia Peptidase) is a naturally occurring, physiologic agent with no inhibitory effects on prostaglandins and is devoid of gastrointestinal effects. Recommended dosage is 1 tablet 2-3 times a day. Each bottle contains 60 enteric coated 10 mg tablets. Cost is $18 per bottle ($16 on automatic delivery).

Helpful: Brite Eyes II is applied topically on the eyes, and helps prevent damage to the lens of the eyes due to free radicals and oxidative damage. Recommended dosage is to apply 1 to 2 drops in each eye every day. Those with any kind of eye problem may want to apply 1 to 2 drops several times a day. The 2 ml resealable vials allow for a small amount of product to be exposed to oxygen and bacteria at a time. The unopened vials can be stored in the dark in the refrigerator to extend shelf life.. Cost is $30 ($28 on automatic delivery) for 5 - 2mg tubes.
Helpful: PaleoGreens Formula is excellent Green formula with a full array of organic vegetables, organic fruits and wheatgrasses. Cost is $42 per bottle ($40 per bottle on automatic delivery)

Helpful Glucosamine Sulfate has been shown in clinical studies to promote healthy connective tissue, and reduce inflammation. Cost is $23.00 per bottle or $21.00 on automatic delivery. Each bottle contains 150 capsules, 500 mg per capsule. This is a 50-day supply.
Possible homeopathic remedies (see a qualified homoeopathist) include the following:

• Aconite 6c
• Allium Cepa 6C
• Calarea fluorica 6c
• Mercurius corrosives 6c

  Self Help:

  Since we consider most eye conditions to be a reflection of the health of the whole body, lifestyle choices and diet can play a major factor in getting and maintaining good vision. Below are some recommendations:

  • Vision Diet recommended in Natural Eye Care,co-authored by Marc Grossman, O.D., L.Ac., helps maintain a healthy lens that easily drains away metabolic wastes and toxins from eye tissues.
  • Reduce or eliminate drinking caffeine and sodas, avoid aspartame (labeled diet foods)and man made fats (corn oil and safflower oil, trans fats and hydrogenated vegetable oils including canola oil).
  • Eliminate deep fat fried foods, monosodium glutanate (MSG) used as a flavor enhancer which is a potential retinal toxin (Inv Oph 1996; 37: 1618-24), and fat blockers like Olestra which impair the absorption of carotenoids (Argus, August 1996;19:18:July 1996;19:22).
  • Limit your alcohol consumption to 1 glass of red wine at night. Alcohol interferes with liver functions, reducing protective glutathione levels (Alcohol 1993;10;469-75).
  • Eliminate smoking. Smoking among other things produces cyanide, a retinal toxin.
  • Supplement your diet with a good multivitamin such as One Plus Vitamin Mineral: or PaleoGreens Formula.
  • Limit the amount of medications (both prescription and non-prescription as much as possible. Make sure to work closely with your doctor.
  • Exercise daily - do at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise daily. Walking and swimming are two excellent forms of exercise.
  • Managing your emotional health is very important in maintaining physical health. Fear (fear of failure, responsibility, of being alone, of death, etc.) is at the root of many of life’s problems, and is a major factor in the development of eye conditions.
  • Manage your stress. Take up Yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, walks in the woods, or prayer on a daily basis.