Ciliary injection is a ring of deep red or violaceous vessels around the cornea, also called circumcorneal flush. It indicates inflammation of deeper ocular structures.
Associated Conditions
Acute anterior uveitis, keratitis, and acute angle-closure glaucoma classically produce ciliary injection. The redness is most intense at the limbus rather than in the fornices.
- Symptoms often include pain, photophobia, and blurred vision
- Pupil abnormalities and intra‑ocular pressure changes may be present
- Contact lens-related keratitis can show ciliary flush with corneal staining
- Systemic autoimmune or infectious diseases frequently underlie uveitis
Urgency
Ciliary injection always warrants prompt ophthalmic evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent permanent structural damage and vision loss.
- Management may involve steroids, cycloplegics, or pressure-lowering therapy
- Systemic investigations may be needed to find an underlying cause
- Patients should avoid self-medicating with over-the-counter redness drops
- Monitoring ensures timely adjustment of potent treatments
