Scleritis with RA

[bigjantart]

Anyone else struggling with scleritis linked to RA? Had in my left eye 6 years ago. Meds increased and steroid drops given and "cured" in 18 months. Now appeared in right eye and on steroid drops again. Just wondered if anyone has any advice. Thanks. On 25mgs MXT and Sulphasalazine plus folic acid. Well controlled for over 20 years except for eye.

[Kags1068]

Hi Bigjantart

Sorry you're having to deal with Scleritis. It's bloomin' painful isn't it? I've had a number of eye problems relating to RA, including relapsing Scleritis. I've lost the sight in my right eye, but this wasn't due to Scleritis but one of the other complications. I've had bouts of Scleritis in both eyes too.

As you know, one of the first treatments is steroid eye drops at varying strengths and various times a day. Unfortunately this alone didn't control the Scleritis and other eye problems for me. As a result I was given Oral Prednisolone and Oral Cyclosporin. (This was alongside Methotrexate and later Humira and Hydroxychloroquine). I have tried Cyclosporin eye drops (ikervis) a number of occasions, but although they're meant to be very good, I just can't tolerate them as my eyes are very sensitive.

So, perhaps you could mention the possibility of Cyclosporin eye drops if the steroids drops alone aren't quite doing the job? In addition, in my experience, the ophthalmologists will often add another systemic medication such as Perdnisolone tablets, and/or perhaps change the medications you are taking if they decide things aren't being controlled properly (usually in agreement with your rheumatologist).

Good luck, and I hope it settles down quickly for you x😊

[sylvi in reply to Kags1068]

You have been through the mill as well as bigjantart darling. Hugs to you both. xxxxx

[bigjantart in reply to sylvi]

Thanks everso. Jan

[bigjantart in reply to Kags1068]

Thanks so much for your reply. Jan

[Kags1068 in reply to bigjantart]

You're very welcome x😊

[oldtimer2]

I'm sorry to hear that you have the uncommon condition of scleritis. I would personally find it very alarming as I'm so dependant on being able to see to write! If you want to have more information I did find some non-complicated explanations and some articles about treatment here: college-optometrists.org/cl...

[bigjantart in reply to oldtimer2]

Thank you very much, will have a look. Jan

[thinkhappy]

I was diagnosed as having an autoimmune disease partly discovered as a result of suffering scleritis. I was given prednisolone tablets as well as methotrexate. Might be worth asking your rheu. about this if it doesn't clear up. Hope it goes away soon.

[bigjantart in reply to thinkhappy]

Me too. Thanks very much. Jan

[JanetJAM]

I was told I had episcleritis a few years ago had lots of steroid eye drops which cleared it up then after a few months it came back. I have now been told I have RA I didn’t know that it could be related so now I have linked the two and I also have cataracts and my eyesight is much worse I wish I had known earlier it all seems clearer now.

[PSAWarrior28]

So sorry you are going through this. Scleritis is painful and can be debilitating.

I've had RA/PSA for over 20 years and its been well managed. However in August 2020 I had a flare up in my eye which is still an issue. Started off on 60mg prednisolone and currently tapering at 15mg and have tried various eye drops (pred-forte, Dexafree, Maxidex). Once I got my ophthalmologist and rheumatologist joined up in my care, I am now on 25mg methotrexate weekly and 40mg hymiroz fortnightly and 400mg hydroxcloriquine daily.

When my eyes are really bad, prednisolone seems to be the only thing that helps with the pain and ibuprofen. I've found placing a nice warm rag over the eye is quite soothing. I hope you find the answers you are looking for.

[bigjantart in reply to PSAWarrior28]

Many thanks. Luckily I do not have pain. Yet!

[Cal48]

Yes it’s not fun! I have had similar problems .I also have had plugs put in tear ducts and get Thealoz drops and Xailin night ointment on prescription .Seems to help quite abit

[bigjantart in reply to Cal48]

Thanks for your reply. Very kind. Jan

[sunnyweek]

I've had episcleritis in both eyes, also euvitis. I had steroid drops for a long while, I believe that's the common treatment. Can make the eye sore can't they. The effect of euvitis is ongoing as it caused fluid in the back of the eye which needs monitoring. I can only suggest they may give you oral steroids as well to help dampen the inflammation. I was given these prior to a cataract being done to ensure there was no inflammation there.

I hope it resolves quickly for you.

[thinkhappy]

I am not sure this will be helpful but I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease partly on the strength of having scleritis , it was treated first with eye drops that made no difference at all and then by a high dose of prednisolone tablets(40mg) to begin with which then was tapered off a little bit each week, I also began taking methotrexate. The high dose of orally taken prednisolone seemed to have worked. Kind thoughts

[bigjantart in reply to thinkhappy]

Thanks so much for your reply. Think I might ask about pred if drops don't work. Jan