Iritis is an inflammation of the iris, the colored part of the eye.

Iritis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections of the eye.

Autoimmune Disorders: Such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and Crohn's disease

..

Corneal transplant rejection occurs when the body's immune system attacks the donor tissue, causing symptoms like redness, pain, light sensitivity, and blurred vision.

It is managed primarily with topical corticosteroid eye drops, and early treatment is crucial to prevent graft failure. High-risk transplants have higher rejection rates, but rejection can happen even in low-risk cases and is the leading cause of graft failure.

Symptoms of corneal transplant rejection

Redness, Pain or discomfort, Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia), Decreased vision or blurred vision, and Corneal swelling (edema).

Causes

The host's immune system identifies the donor tissue as foreign and mounts an attack.

This can happen months or years after surgery.

Risk is higher in "high-risk" recipients, such as those with pre-existing eye conditions, corneal neovascularization, or those needing a second transplant.

Treatment

Topical corticosteroids:

This is the main treatment and can be very effective if caught early.

Higher risk patients:

May require more intensive, longer-term treatment with higher doses of corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive drugs.

Other treatments:

Depending on the case, other treatments may include corneal crosslinking, or other medications like basiliximab or rapamycin.

..

Antioxidants may help with transplant rejection by fighting oxidative stress and inflammation, which are linked to both autoimmune diseases and graft rejection. They can potentially modulate the immune system, for example, by boosting the production of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) which inhibits T cell proliferation and can help prevent graft rejection and autoimmunity.

This is distinct from standard immunosuppressive drugs, which broadly suppress the entire immune system, but research in this area is ongoing.

Connection between antioxidants, autoimmunity, and transplant rejection
Oxidative stress and inflammation:

Both autoimmune diseases and the process of transplant rejection are associated with oxidative stress, which is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body.

Immune modulation:

Antioxidants can act as immunomodulators by combating oxidative stress and inflammation.

Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Vitamin D
Omega-3 (Fish Oil)

Glutathione:
NAC
MSM

Polyphenols:
Quercetin
Pomegranate

Electrolytes:
Sea Salt
Magnesium
Potassium
Sodium Bicarbonate

..

Crystalline Lens of the Eye

Lens Epithelial Cell
(LEC) Regeneration

Lens epithelium and collagen

Lens capsule:

The anterior lens epithelium is a single layer of cells that produces the lens capsule.

Collagen IV:

The lens capsule's primary structural component is type IV collagen, which is vital for its structural integrity and elasticity.

Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans (HSPGs):

Act as a bridge between other basement membrane components and cell surfaces.

Type IV collagen and heparan sulfate proteoglycans work together to create a stable and functional basement membrane for the corneal epithelium.

This complex is crucial for keeping the epithelium attached to the underlying corneal stroma and for its proper function.

During wound healing, these components are involved in the regeneration of the epithelium, promoting cell migration and adhesion.

..

Type IV Collagen
Vitamin C
Zinc
Copper
Silica

..

Enhanced Collagen Production:

Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, which supports skin health, joint function, and wound healing. Magnesium also contributes to collagen production.

Vitamin C

Deactivates histamine: Acts as a natural antihistamine by promoting the production of diamine oxidase (DAO), an enzyme that breaks down histamine.

Magnesium

Supports DAO: Acts as a cofactor in the production of DAO, the enzyme responsible for breaking down histamine.

Diamine oxidase (DAO) is a copper-containing enzyme that catalyzes the oxidative deamination of biogenic amines like histamine. This reaction, which requires oxygen and water, converts the amine to its corresponding aldehyde, ammonia, and hydrogen peroxide.

..

Iritis is treated with medications to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms, most commonly corticosteroid eye drops to decrease inflammation and dilating eye drops to relieve pain and prevent complications.

Primary treatments

Corticosteroid eye drops:

These are the first-line treatment to reduce inflammation in the eye. Examples include prednisolone and dexamethasone.

Dilating eye drops:

These are used to relax the iris muscles, which helps relieve pain and prevents the iris from sticking to the lens. Examples include anticholinergic drugs.

Oral corticosteroids or other medications:

For more severe or persistent cases, oral steroids may be prescribed. In cases with an autoimmune cause, immune-suppressing drugs might be used.

Other eye drops:

If iritis causes an increase in eye pressure, additional eye drops to lower pressure may be prescribed.