Uveitis / Scleritis

About a decade post colectomy I developed enteropathic arthritis and have been on one biologic or another since then. Another decade later I developed dry eye syndrome and have been on cyclosporine drops (Restasis) since then. I still get periodic sudden eye pain and redness and use steroid/antibiotic drops for that.

Just a little over a week ago I wound up in the ER on a Sunday with severe eye pain and redness. It felt just like a corneal abrasion, but there was no injury found. Ophthalmology was consulted by phone and the same drops were ordered. I have never had uveitis confirmed, but this very well could have been. Long story short, it turned around quickly with treatment.

Jan

I've had uveitis 3-4 times, quite some time ago.   Each time, my symptoms came on fairly suddenly and severely.  I went straight to an opthalmologist, since my left eye was SO sore, red, blurry, and sensitive to light.   Tell your dr. your history and your suspicions, they will look in your eyes with a slit lamp (if I recall the name) and see the inflammation and can diagnose it right then and there.   My optometrists have also checked with a slit lamp, and told me they too could treat the uveitis.  I was given steroid drops and also those drops that dilate your eyes to prevent scarring, if I recall - had to use these several times a day, not fun.  I'm not sure that your symptoms are indicative of uveitis, but as I said, it's relatively easy for these eye drs. to diagnose.  Sorry you're experiencing all these problems.  

I've also had uvevitis - there was no mistaking it.  I came on very quickly,  I had to wear sunglasses indoors, and the pain was over the top.  Steroid drops relieved it.   If you get severe redness and pain and light sensitivity do not wait around, the inflammation can damage eyes if not treated promptly.  

So... eye doc did a thorough exam of front and back of my eyes. Noted some inflammation in the front of the eyes, and talked a lot about my "tear shield." She is attributing some of the issues to looking at screens all day. Did give me some pred eye drops + a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drop after a week or so of the pred. Also recommended a eyelid cleansing wash - said it might help with the "tear shield." No uveitis (of which, frankly, I'm glad).

The only weird test she did was un-dilated. Told me to close my eyes and then open and keep open without blinking as long as I could. She had her light shining right into them when I opened. The right eye - man! That was painful - just like the pain I sometimes experience. 

So anyway, the eye inflammation may or may not be inflammatory disease related. Seems to be my diagnosis for a lot of things (eyes, back / arthritis, etc.). I guess I should be happy to be in an indeterminate place? And that when my UC went nuts, there was no doubt about it (it was not indeterminate).