Itchy red eyes

[Maggiesplanet]

I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2008-12 steroids a day, a very aggressive form .In 2010 , Infleximab was at infancy stage in Dublin, Ireland. As I didn't receive infusions frequently enough during early hospitalisation to stop UC attacks, I had emergency surgery & my large intestine amputated. -policy has changed now infusion frequency is increased & then reduced to once a month ( I know because my son has the UC gene and receives very successful monthly infusions & he lives amazingly full and good life.

Following my ileostomy, I've had many surgeries due to strangulating hernias blockages and adhesions. Since 2017 & incredible surgery in UMCG Netherlands I have adapted well I'm not being surgeries-and I'm very grateful for all amazing care and treatments I received over the 12 years.

I do my best to live life to the full & I met a wonderful kind & caring man in 2016 ( another story !) I will always have to be careful not to do extreme stretching, exercise or over lifting.

In 2018, I had cataracts removed which had grown due to excessive use of steroids( which I'm grateful for btw as they kept me alive) during UC process , I had my lenses replaced. I was so happy with the wonderful results -so grateful to have 20/20 vision again.

In June 2024 I noticed my eyes were red and dry, I tried different over-the counter eyedrops recommended by my eye consultant, none have cleared it up .She did a map scan on my eyes and said they they are very healthy, my tear ducts may need to be replaced or keep using eyedrops regularly.

Since September 2024 they've become so red itchy and sore, sometimes I see black floaters and other times I feel like I'm looking through a raindrop , I still use drops.

I recently heard an audience member on a TV show, speaking about eye issues which can arise in UC autoimmune sufferers , he mentioned Uvitus ?

So please I am Looking for advice re: treatments, or consultants that specialise in eye conditions connected to UC autoimmune conditions? All responses greatly appreciated 🙏

Thanks Margaret

[SuzyQ67]

Get an appt with an ophthalmologist, this is an eye specialist that would know if this is uveitis.

[Maggiesplanet in reply to SuzyQ67]

Thank you for responding suziQ67 -I went to my ophthalmologist consultant -is it possible the symptoms of the uveitis are the same as dry eyes from over screen use or malfunctioning tear ducts ?

[SuzyQ67 in reply to Maggiesplanet]

No, these are two completely different issues. Uveitis is treated with medications used to keep your crohns in remission.

[AdrienneMe]

Could be Blepheritis or scleritus. 🙏 Hope you get sorted soon Ade

[BassholeBasset]

Hi i have Crohn’s disease and i have struggled with uvietis for about 11 year’s on and off. It is treated with medication and steroid eye drops. The pain you get is unbearable, it feels like your eyes are going to explode and you become extremely sensitive to sunlight and lights in the house. What you are describing doesn’t sound like uvietis. You should try to see an eye specialist if you can.