US Medical Term · anatomy
Iris
Iris
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Iris |
| Spanish (Español) | Iris |
| Chinese (中文) | 虹膜 |
| Korean (한국어) | 홍채 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Mống mắt |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Iris |
| Portuguese (Português) | Íris |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ม่านตา |
| Japanese (日本語) | 虹彩 |
What it means
The iris is the colored ring in your eye — the part that makes eyes appear blue, green, brown, or hazel. It is located behind the cornea and in front of the lens. The iris contains tiny muscles that control the size of the pupil, the black circle in its center. In bright light, the iris makes the pupil smaller to let in less light, protecting the retina. In dim light, the iris opens the pupil wider to let in more light. This process happens automatically. Inflammation of the iris, called iritis or anterior uveitis, causes eye pain, redness, and light sensitivity. It can be linked to autoimmune conditions and requires prompt treatment to prevent complications.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My eye is very red and painful — the doctor said my iris is inflamed.
Mi ojo está muy rojo y doloroso — el doctor dijo que el iris está inflamado.
Why is one of my pupils larger than the other — could it be the iris?
¿Por qué una de mis pupilas es más grande que la otra — podría ser el iris?
The ophthalmologist said I have iritis and need steroid eye drops.
El oftalmólogo dijo que tengo iritis y necesito gotas de corticoesteroides.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026