So last week the white portion of my right eye began turning quite red. Thursday of this week a bubble appeared and by Friday - an ulcer. I went to the Ophthalmogist and he stated either I have a nasty viral thing in my eye or something caused by uncontrolled PSA. He then stated PSA patients must be very aware of their eyes because it can be very serious. I did not know this and wanted to make sure you folks keep an eye out for any possible eye issues. My Ophthalmologist stated it was a very good thing that I came in to see him because this could have gotten very very bad. Right now I am taking an abundance of antibiotics and eye drops and go back this week to see if it has improved. My rheumotologist took me off my enbrel for a week to allow my body to heal. Not looking forward to no TNF for 2 weeks but prefer to heal and keep my eyesight. So please folks - be aware of any changes or problems with your eyes.
Thanks for the heads up Breckstar. This is a conversation that has definitely come up before, but the reminder is a good thing.
Inflammation can do some pretty serious damage to the eyes. Uveitis is a known problem with autoimmune diseases, and Sjogren's syndrome can cause some pretty serious corneal ulcers. However, I've even had retinal inflammation and damage. The eyes are very delicate and can easily be damaged by inflammmation.
I just went and had my eyes checked the other day as I have been having issues. I have increased redness and irritated eyes, sometimes a film like substance, some mornings I wake up and they are glued together (like pink eye). I assumed it was allergies however it's been getting more frequent and knowing that PSA can effect the eyes I felt I should have them checked.
The Ophthalmologist gave me a prescription for two types of eye drops, I believe one for moisturizing and the other a steroid. He figures the top layer is getting inflamed and I am getting dry eyes. He said it could be the PSA but also mentioned MTX may cause eye issues.
Taralynn- Could it be blepharitis?i had it a number of times, but haven’t at all since I started daily hygiene procedures.
No Stoney, he checked out my eyelids and lash area and no problem there. The issue is the actual eye ball, really it seems like allergies however it comes and goes so often. He said that the reason I get an increase in sleep like substance is due to having dry eyes. He said when the eyes are dry you still have a lubricant and because of the issue with dryness the lubricant is sticks more then normal, hence waking up with sleepy eyes. He also said the cornea is not effected but it seems the outer layer has increased inflammation.
He said he will send a report to my doctor, so I will go over that with him next week when I see him. I haven't worn make up for a few weeks because I find it really irritates my eyes.
Stoney said:
Taralynn- Could it be blepharitis?i had it a number of times, but haven't at all since I started daily hygiene procedures.
I have Sjogren’s on top of other stuff. Dry eye can also be hormone related as well, but where one autoimmune dysfunction exists, so can others. If it’s inflammation based, then you definitely need to be looking at whether your disease control is good.
Bingo - that is what the Ophthalmologist said. He is treating me for a viral infection in my eye, but said if I don't see improvement then he feels it is plan B - My disease is not under control. He did not want to discuss options until we knew if it was viral. Today it is worse, so must call the doctor. Don't know what the heck the next step is for treating it but I have grown very attached to my eye! Would like it to heal and feel better....a big ulcer on one's eye does not feel so good. :(
Good luck with that today. Keep us in the loop.
breckstar, I hope your eye gets better and you get your disease under control! I'm sure having the ulcer on your eye is both irritating and painful. :-( Unfortunately I am still working on treatment for my PSA and the current mix does not seem to be working. Thinking of you and sending you healing thoughts! breckstar said:
Bingo - that is what the Ophthalmologist said. He is treating me for a viral infection in my eye, but said if I don't see improvement then he feels it is plan B - My disease is not under control. He did not want to discuss options until we knew if it was viral. Today it is worse, so must call the doctor. Don't know what the heck the next step is for treating it but I have grown very attached to my eye! Would like it to heal and feel better....a big ulcer on one's eye does not feel so good. :(
breckstar said:
Bingo - that is what the Ophthalmologist said. He is treating me for a viral infection in my eye, but said if I don't see improvement then he feels it is plan B - My disease is not under control. He did not want to discuss options until we knew if it was viral. Today it is worse, so must call the doctor. Don't know what the heck the next step is for treating it but I have grown very attached to my eye! Would like it to heal and feel better....a big ulcer on one's eye does not feel so good. :(