inflammation in eyes

[Groundhog]

I have an inflammatory eye condition either episcleritis or anterior uveitis. I’ve been on steroid drops for this which have given me cataract. On top of this inhave 2 stoma bags for a perforated bowel ( which triggered the eye inflammation). It’s been a horrendous time and I’ve become very down.

I was told the cataract are easy to fix but today the doctor told me she won’t fix them as if the inflammation comes back the steroids will cause complications with the new lens.

Just wondering if anyone has had cataract removed and then had to continue with steroid drops after - no other doctor has ever mentioned this and now I feel really despondent.

[farm123]

I have had an episode of episcleritis (cant spell) and cannot use steroid drops because they increase my eye pressure so have been using Nevanac (Nepafenac - an anti-inflammatory) - but has taken a long time to clear. Cant comment on the cataract situation though.

[Madmusiclover]

can’t help but here’s a hug for you.

[Vixen2]

Hey Groundhog. I totally understand how you’re feeling. I’ve had RA (which includes Uveitis, Glaucoma & Iritis) since i was 21. (I’m 52 now!) I’ve been on loads of anti inflammatories, steroids. I’ve had 2 cataracts removed. 1 when i was 24 & 1 when i was 40. I’ve had loads of other procedures. I’ve had loads of steroid injections in my eyes. Because i’ve had so many things done. I now have Glaucoma. My vision was getting really bad. So i had permanent lenses injected into my eyes. Fantastic. My vision improved alot within an hr.

I’m lucky enough to be under Moorfields. 1 of the best eye hospitals in the world. I have to say though. That i was never told the inflammation could make my new lenses worse. I’ve had so many attacks of iritis (the inflammation) since the cataracts were removed. It still didn’t put the drs off doing it. Maybe you should ask for a 2nd opinion.

I’m actually having 6 weekly infusions of Infliximab. It’s meant to help with the RA & Iritis. I’ve been having the treatment for the last 20yrs. I still get flare ups. The usual hrly steroid eye drops & pressure drops (for the glaucoma). I can be on 3/4 drops at the same time. But i’m so grateful to be a Moorfield Outpatient. Like i’ve said. See if u can ‘see’ another dr. I know how depressing & scary all these health problems can be. Good luck with everything. X

[cathie in reply to Vixen2]

Your experience is encouraging. One issue which concerns me is how to be sure that the lens gives me the right vision - I'm an artist and this is important to me. Incidentally I had infliximab for many years and it really helped to control my RA

[Vixen2 in reply to cathie]

I know what you mean. You’re nervous that you might not get the right ‘balance’ in both your eyes. But that’s what the consultants are for. You’re an artist. That’s your ‘field’. Their field is ‘vision’. I also had a Trabeculectomy. (Because of the Glaucoma). The pressure was building up. A healthy eye should have a pressure reading no higher than 20. My right eye was 50. So they cut a little hole in the eye & inserted a tiny tube to drain the eye. (So clever what they can do). When i had the lenses injected into the eyes. My vision did improve. But the next day. I had the most awful vertigo. I felt really drunk. Everything was spinning. I had to go back. They had a thorough look & said they will sort themselves out. That my body would get used to them & they were right. Moorfields is a fantastic eye hospital. I’m very lucky. I live in Covent Garden. I’m only a bus ride away. I’ve met people that live in Liverpool, cornwall, Dorset. They have to travel all that way every few months to get there!!! Good luck with everything. Hope things improve for you. X

[cathie in reply to Vixen2]

I used to teach in a college behind the Old Street firestation so know the Moorfields area well There used to be a brilliant wholefood restaurant nearby East/West we'd go to sometimes for lunch. I hope your complicated treatment works. I used to wear contact lenses and remember that weird sensation when you lose one so can only see out of one eye! XX

[Vixen2 in reply to cathie]

Wow. Small world! I had the lenses inserted 6 yrs ago. I’m so bloody grateful for Moorfields & i have my infusion at UCH. My brother lives in the States. He’s an auctioneer. Works for Christie’s. He’s lived there for 10 yrs. (Has triplets). He’s realising how great the NHS is! They have to pay for EVERYTHING there! Ps. I think i remember that restaurant. Memories!! X

[StormySeas]

Ditto, sorry I can't help either but another hug from me too

[kaculbre]

My husband has some type of undiagnosed autoimmune disorder that causes joint pain and did cause several bad cases of uveitis. The dr put him on Humira and after a couple of years his eye and joint pain quieted down a lot. They finally did his cataract surgery recently and the Humira kept everything from getting out of control after the surgery. They will make you try the drop first because it’s so expensive, but Humira would definitely be a good choice-it is indicated for uveitis. He still takes the steroid and glaucoma drops every day. They tried the steroid injection into the eye but it made his pressure go through the roof! Good luck, I know how hard it is to go through! Hugs

[cathie]

Thanks for prompting nice memories of life in 70s! I see from googling that Ironmonger Baths are still there, doubtless in a different form. Hope your eye issues continue to improve.I'm a long way away now, in Scotland.