Iritis is a condition that results in inflammation of your iris, the colored muscle inside your eye. The inflammation may cause redness, irritation, pain and light sensitivity. Some people also experience vision changes with iritis. Untreated, iritis may lead to serious complications, including glaucoma and cataracts. Some people believe certain substances, such as caffeine, could play a role in iritis.
Possible Causes
Doctors cannot always determine the cause for iritis. In some cases, the condition results from an injury such as a blow to the eye. Ocular herpes, also known as herpes zoster, may also cause iritis. Other health conditions may also put you at a greater risk for developing iritis, and these conditions include Bechet's disease and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, explains MayoClinic.com.
Caffeine Effects
Caffeine typically affects your central nervous system, and if you have a high intake, you may experience symptoms such as increased heart rate, shakiness, headaches and agitation. The effects of caffeine do not have a direct correlation to the appearance, symptoms or treatment of iritis. If you feel that your caffeine intake may contribute to flare-ups of iritis, you should talk with your doctor about the best way to reduce or eliminate caffeine from your diet. Your doctor may recommend cutting back on coffee and chocolate, as well as caffeinated teas and sodas.
Treatment
Iritis requires prompt treatment to prevent an increased severity of symptoms or complications such as increased eye pressures or vision changes. Your doctor may prescribe a steroid eye drop to treat the inflammation. She may give you drops that dilate your eyes, and this often helps relieve pain and prevent complications. You may need to return to your doctor a few times so that he can ensure the inflammation responds to treatment.
Considerations
If you suspect you have iritis, you should contact your doctor immediately to prevent complications. Talk with your doctor about the effects of caffeine on your body and how this stimulant may affect iritis. If you elect to reduce your intake, you should make slow changes to avoid headaches, irritability and other symptoms.
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