Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group OMG my EYE!

Hi Lucy - Yes, have had this self same three times now. Looks ***frightful! And yes, can confirm, it does clear away within a few days. 'Headache behind the eye' I get when my eyes start to play me up summat rotten, 'headache' feel and also 'swollen' feel - like the eye itself has suddenly gotten 'big'. Weird. But last night threw me a wowzer: suddenly couldn't see the TV properly and as for checking the programmes, couldn't read the writing! That took about an hour odd to clear. Really put me in a bit of a fright. Oh well. AS sent to try us...

Glad yr problem resolved. Good and good that you have excellent facilities to refer to (better than we have over here!!)

Molly C (France)
Keeping on Keeping on

Lucy - that's great that it's not too serious.

I think one clue can be the lack of pain, although I think it's important to get it checked out promptly if it ever happens again. However, when I get yet another attack of episcleritis (I've had five or six so far this year), I don't rush in any more because I'm familiar with it. If I have more noticeable pain with it, I'd be suspicious that it was iritis or, at least, a more serious condition than episcleritis, and go in right away.

So glad it turned out ok for you.

I think it's important to reiterate for everyone -- to please be aware that iritis flares do NOT always present with pain. To catch iritis early and before it has a chance to do lasting damage, waiting for the symptom of pain could be a serious mistake. Iritis can be sneaky and cause a huge flare, even in the total absence of pain. The inflammation from Iritis is sight-threatening.

After suffering repeating attacks (which eventually morphed into a chronic case) for over a decade of my life, I speak from experience. Sometimes a bad attack can be barely perceptible. I am not alone in this either as other kickers have experienced this and ophthalmology specialists will say the same - any change or odd symptom is a reason to be checked, especially with a history of iritis. A slit lamp exam is the single and only way to rule out iritis.

Lucy, I am glad you took the precaution to be checked and relieved you are not suffering another attack. I think you were very wise to act as quickly as you did! Hopefully with Humira on board, you will be safe from this monster. I've been iritis-free now ever since going on Remicade. yay.

Hugs,
mig

Good point, Mig! Having had episcleritis before, I had something to base my reaction on, hence the decision to use pain as a guide. Eyes are so important and problems can get serious so quickly, your advice not to delay but seek prompt medical advice is, of course, the correct one.

Hi Kurumi,

Thanks, been tring to rest but it's not been realistic. But it's ok. The eye Dr did use a slit lens to check it. He gave me lubricating drops.
The weekend is here. I hope every out there has a nice one.

Lucy

Oh Molly how awful to have so many repeats.
Thanks for your concern and I am glad too for the care... I've been through quite a few drs to get to this combo - I never could have known.
A bien tot!
Lucy

Molly are you ok now? Do you have an explanation for what happened to you the other night?
Lucy

Thanks for the info. I learned something tonight after all of these years. I have had iritis/uveitis chronically since 1970 and have never had it without pain. I am glad I read this because I probably wouldn't head to the dr. so quickly if it wasn't light sensitive and hurting.

Appreciate always learning something new here.

Possi

Wendy & Mig
I'm not familiar with episcleritis. But IMO, none of these periferal issues are fully understood and so should be addressed asap as best as possible.

we ain't having fun yet!!

Thank you for sharing that with me I will look into what you discussed for add'l background.
Thanks all!
Lucy

Hi Lucy!

I've had broken blood vessels in the eyes. Got them from puking so hard when I had the flu one time....ick. It was bad and they looked terrible! So I can imagine that you were concerned when seeing that! It'll take a couple weeks but it will go away!

take care!
Jewelz