Possible Uveitis

[Ophelia1]

Hello all - I'd welcome your input regarding possible Uveitis. As you'll see from my profile, I have a diagnosis of lupus. My main problems are fatigue and brain fog, joint pain, generalised aches and pains, raynauds, mouth ulcers, and recurring anaemia. I have always had dry eyes. About a week ago I suddenly noticed a large floater in one of my eyes. I also noticed flashing. I've had occasional tiny floaters before but the one I have now is large and I actually thought it was a fly when it appeared. I've never experienced flashing before. I'm also experiencing a feeling of pressure, verging on headache type pain in my left eye, which is more or less permanently present. I went to Boots and saw the optician, who did an OCD scan and dilated my pupils before examining the back of my eye. She says I have epiretinal membrane in one of my eyes and vitreous detachment in my left eye - the one with the large floater. She has given me an appointment to come back in 6 weeks for further examination and advised me to make contact in the meantime if things get worse. I told her I have lupus and wondered if it might be the start of lupus related uveitis, but she didn't think it was. I'd be grateful for any opinions / comments. Thanks.

[avionne]

have you told your lupua consultant?

[Ophelia1 in reply to avionne]

Hi Avionne - I have emailed her, so hopefully she'll get back soon. Thanks for your reply

[Jolevans]

you haven’t mentioned what medication you are on if any. I know things like hydroxychloroquine can cause eye issues.

[Ophelia1 in reply to Jolevans]

I'm not on anything at all now. I was on methotrexate, but it really disagreed with me, as did HCQ which I tried a couple of years ago.

[marypw]

I’ve been diagnosed with lupus for 13 years and have always taken hydroxychloroquine. I had surgery for a macular hole two months ago. It’s my understanding that vitreous detachment is a normal process as you age (I’m 69).

nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye...

However, as described in the above article, problems can arise e.g. macular hole. I was told by both the Specsavers optician and the eye surgeon that it was nothing to do with lupus, medication or lifestyle.

I would recommend that if you have any change in your symptoms you get straight back to the optician. Don’t take any risks with your eyesight!

I was also told that hospital ophthalmologists do a more thorough OCT scan using a dye, so maybe you could ask for a referral, but based on my experience, good luck getting one.

[Ophelia1 in reply to marypw]

Hi marypw - My optician told me to come back before my review appointment date if things get worse. I think I will go back because things are getting worse. I am seeing more floaters and a bit more flashing too. I am also finding that my eyes are uncomfortable. I do usually have dry eyes which is also uncomfortable but I now have a dull ache too.

[Poshcards]

hi, I have vitreous detatchments in both eyes, gradually your brain will stop you seeing the floaters so much, but they dont go away xx

[Cal48]

hi I have Rheumatoid and have eye problems .Corneal melt. Where I live we have an optician who is the first call for me when my eyes start .She sees me quickly and then gets me a referral to the eye department at our local hospital. Often I have to have steroid drops and have had to increase my meds.

This is done on the NHS and is quite quick .Have a check where your emergency eye care is Good luck.

[Ophelia1 in reply to Cal48]

Hi Cal48 - That's what I'm hoping for. Steroid drops. I think I've got some sort of inflammation going on in the eyes because they feel really uncomfortable now, especially one eye. Thanks for your reply 🙃