Uveitis & other eye diseases caused by AS and the treatments

Pattibwell
I'm glad to hear someone address the eye problem. I'm already blind in my right eye caused by histoplasmosis but my doctor released me from his care because I can't take a biologic. By the time I was diagnosed with my AS it was very advanced and all the information related to men. My eye problem is new and I thought it was the histo acting up again but they felt fine when I went to retinologist and I didn't tell him about my AS diagnosis because I didn't know I affected the eyes.

My right eye has been an issue since I was a kid. I wasnt diagnosed for AS until I was 33. It all makes sense now.

Thank you Erin. I am doing a little better after seeing the specialist at the schools optometry unit. They tried a lens on1 eye & waited a 1/2 hr to notice if I noticed a difference. YES I did!! That means I am eligible for the 2 lenses, so they took measurements specifically to my eyes and ordered them, now I wait 2- 3 weeks, ( UGGH) for them to come in. Then they will teach me how to put them in. It will be a 2 hr visit. The lenses are called Sclero lenses BTW.


I am so happy and hopeful for the 1st time in 2-3 yrs. The Dr. i saw said I had 1 of the worst cases of AS caused uveitis he has seen, especially in someone so young. Plus he said he usually sees it in males, but did admit that's because a lot of Dr.'S out there still don't realize that women have different symptoms of AS and at different ages.


As he said, they are NOT a cure, but if my quality of life is better, my stress levels maybe will go down & then my inflammation might just go down...praying!!


I was on Humira but had my 2nd hip replacement last July & couldn't be on it for 1 month before & 1 month after. And the RA did tell me once u get off the meds for awhile, they sometimes don't work anymore. I did go back on for 6 months w/ no changes, so she took me off & is looking at other biologics. I have asthma & mild COPD so can't go on several that they offer. We;ll see. Plus I now have to schedule surgery for both knees, so I don't know if I should just wait until those surgeries are done to go back on a biologic. That is a question I will be asking the surgeon and the RA next wk.


Thanks for caring and sharing!!

Hi ,


I'm so sorry to hear you are having such a hard time with uveitis and finding treatments that work for you. I deal with iritis and have some scar tissue buildup that impacts my vision a bit, but not as extreme as what it sounds like you are experiencing.


I know there are many members of our community who also deal with iritis and uveitis, and hopefully someone can relate to your experience! Are you on any medication for your AS? I know my ophthalmologist had strong opinions on what medications I take because she wanted something that would help my eye issues as well.


Finding good coping strategies for the ups and downs that come with chronic health issues can be really difficult- how are you doing now?


-Erin (Community Member)