Does anyone suffer from inflamed eyes?

[AnnieKhan]

Hi all

I have had very sore eyes even more sore now that I have a cold am squinting as I type. I am due to see a specialist soon as the opticians reckon I have inflamed eyes due to Lupus! Just wondering if anyone has this? What are your symptoms? And what's the treatment?

Thanks x

[Manolo33]

I have an inflammitory eye condition called uveitis - I was diagnosed with that first before my lupus symptoms started. I have two types anterior (front part inflammation) and intermediate (middle part inflammation).

The anterior is quite painful, gritty and achy especially around my eye socket, my eyes look red and are very light sensitive. I am treated with steroid eye drops called pred forte.

The intermediate is not painful although my eyes do feel strained, this type is most associated with lupus I think - and can be quickly sight threatening (I have had 3 macular oedema's since last May) loosing the middle part of my vision. For this I am treated with oral steroids, prednisolone, but have had to have the steroid injected straight into the eye on the last occasion.

I have a fabulous consultant who explains everything really well but there is a charity dedicated to uveitis - if it turns out that's what you have - oliviasvision.org

Hope this helps.

[Trulyfedup]

I have R/A and occasionally my eyes are terrible sore I sometimes think I may even have conjunctivitis....but it's not....I hope you get it sorted as eyes are awful when sore. I don't know if mine is due to R/A. They also get very dry. I wish you well.maryx

[Hidden]

Hello Annie, I'm sorry to hear about your eyes. I too have a rare type of Uveitis and a wonderful Consultant.

I was also wondering about dry eyes because they can cause the problems you describe. I use Liquifilm and Lacrilube [Lacrilube is rather like putting Vaseline in your eye, not that I have tried it!] because I am allergic to Hypromellose. I also have Blepharitis, which can cause a gritty feeling, photophobia and dry eyes

My Consultant told me not to put any cream near my eyes because that can also cause problems. He told me to put some mild soap [baby soap or anything that suits you] into hot water, soak a flannel in the hot water, then place it on your eyes for a few minutes. This deals with the Blepharitis patient.co.uk/health/Blepha...

I hope your appointment comes through quickly for you and that it turns out to be nothing too serious.

[AnnieKhan]

Thank you all for your responses! I can relate to a lot of all your symptoms. Currently I have a cold and oh boy my eyes hurt so bad not sure what to do.

I am using hypromellose eye drops but last night it stung maybe due to the cold not sure! Still waiting on appointment! I have to wear dark sunglasses a lot and people stare thinking where is the sun lol it's ok as iv done that to other before you only realise when it happens to yourself lol!

Also can't seem to wear inner eye liner as eyes are far too sore! So look like a zombie with swollen eyes now!

Thanks all il keep you posted x

[Hidden in reply to AnnieKhan]

Annie, try preservative free 'artificial tears'. Systane apparently make some. You may find that the Hypromellose drops are causing you problems. I would also advise against using any makeup etc around your eyes, until you know what is causing your problems

And, try compresses on your eyes, hot or cold.

I wear dark glasses a lot of the time, we'll have to have a club!!

[Hidden]

Hi Annie. I don't think my eye problems are as bad as yours but I have found the eye drops called 'Blink' Intensive Tears very helpful for dry, scratchy, eyes. I use one dose every two or three days and that is just enough to keep my eyes lubricated.