Can Severe Eyestrain Cause Iritis?

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Brian

Can Severe Eyestrain Cause Iritis?

Post by Brian »

I'm an I.T. professional, and this is my second "real" case of iritis.

The first time I was a poor college student and was living in an apartment with extremely low-light conditions, which was fine because I didn't spend much time there but I watched TV at night and over the course of a week or two (dark room with only TV for light) I developed a severe case of iritis, with no underlying cause found. However, this scenario is perfect for developing eyestrain.

This time around, I had just spent a long week working on my computer with intricate documents and fine-type applications and started to notice swelling. If I rest my eyes, I feel much better. Again, the doctor says he doesn't think there is anything he could find to be a cause.

So, my question is, could perhaps severe eyestrain cause iritis in people who have strong inflammatory response? My doctor said, "no", but I don't put much value in this because (according to his estimate) 99 out of 100 times they don't know what causes iritis.

Any feedback would be appreciated.
Mike Bartolatz
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Joined: Fri Feb 06, 2004 9:58 pm

Stress

Post by Mike Bartolatz »

Stress of the project you were working on might be a more appropriate cause of a RENEWED bout of uveitis. I doubt if eyestrain alone would cause it. eyestrain can lead to severe headaches however (myself included) since you are an individual with a history of iritis/anterior uveitis you might want to try a couple of things to minimize eye strain. Increase your font size, lower the amount of light in your workspace, and get a pair of brown tinted sunglasses to cut the glare from the CRT. some use other colored sunglasses. I suggest the Brown tint as they work well for me and help with sunlight on overcast days outside. Wrap around polarized sunglasses work the best. If you wear glasses, they make 'fit over' sunglasses for about 15 to 20 bucks.

i hope this helps,
Mike
Mike Bartolatz
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John

Post by John »

I am also in IT. I am a Systems Admin and have had real 2 Bad flare ups which required multiple injections and months of drops. I too asked the Dr's each time if it could be eyestrain. They both told me no. I don't know why they both were so quick to dismiss the possibility of it being Computer related since there were no underlying problems and in at least half the cases they don't know the cause. I have had all the blood work and x-rays and they found nothing.

The last flare-up lasted 6 months. Really I think the 1st one did also. They even tried putting temp tear duct plugs in (that was terrible). I was unable to work a lot of the time and finally was fired because I was missing so much work. Over the 6 months of treatment, the flare-up stayed the same. Only after I got fired and was away from the monitor for 2 months did I heal up.

I have been looking at the Monitor a lot the past 2 weeks and I feel the flare-up starting. I have always felt it was the eyestrain from looking at my monitor 8 to 12 hours a day over a week or 2. I now feel that I may be unable to continue working in my field because of the pain and the possibility of long term vision problems.

All the things to minimize eyestrain don't work. I even bought a 27 inch flat screen monitor to hoping it would help. The sunglasses help with the light problem but I think it put s more strain on your eyes with focusing. Now with the new flare-up, I know what causes it. The problem is finding a Dr that is open minded enough to look at the possibility. It is strange how a Dr, without knowing the cause can dismiss possibilities.

The only thing I can think is they don't understand how we use the computer as compared to end users. They must think we use the same way their receptionist does. Which is not the case.
Cathy

Post by Cathy »

Hi guys,
I'm a graphic designer and am on my 3rd iritis bout in the past 5 years. I'm considering a change of career because yeah, I'm suspecting it's the computer usage/eye strain/ stress etc. that's causing it. Yep, my eye doc also said that excessive computer usage has nothing to do with it since irits is an autoimmune disease/disorder. I'm not sure what to believe at this point but I do feel like you two that yep, eye strain might cause it??? Oh well. Just gotta take care of ourselves! We only got 2 eyes..

(PS - I'm on the computer 8+ hours at work and then when I get home I'm on it for another 2-3 hours.)
Mike Bartolatz
Posts: 6595
Joined: Fri Feb 06, 2004 9:58 pm

Try an LCD screen which helps for some

Post by Mike Bartolatz »

LCD screens may help
Mike Bartolatz
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Cathy

Post by Cathy »

Hi Mike,
That's an interesting thing you've mentioned! I've switched over to LCD and have no eye strain anymore when I use the computer at home. I was trying to get work to switch my computer CRT monitor to an LCD but they 'didn't have it in the budget.' Well, I coudn't afford to have them in my budget either! Hah. Got me a new job with an LCD monitor..

Thanks for the inupt duuuuude - you're helping to save our eyes. ^_^
Mike Bartolatz
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Joined: Fri Feb 06, 2004 9:58 pm

Wish you the best lady

Post by Mike Bartolatz »

it has to do with the radiation off of CRT's. the LCD doesn't have the problem as it is an entirely different principle in making the images.

Wearing polarized sunglasses helps along with reducing overhead lighting. wrap around ones work best.

TAke care,
Mike
Mike Bartolatz
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Hudsongrl
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Re: Can Severe Eyestrain Cause Iritis?

Post by Hudsongrl »

I know this tread is ancient, but my iritis also started after intensive ipad usage. I was planning a class reunion and trying to locate over 1000 people. For several weeks prior to symptoms I was using ipad at least 8 hours a day. I think laptop is easier on eyes for sure.

Has anyone else had iritis start after severe eye strain from ipad use? I am limiting my ipad usage dramatically while this flare is occurring.
Mike Bartolatz
Posts: 6595
Joined: Fri Feb 06, 2004 9:58 pm

Re: Can Severe Eyestrain Cause Iritis?

Post by Mike Bartolatz »

it is probably coincidental that your Ipad and iritis occurred at the same time. you have psoriasis and either the HLA B27 haplotype is present or the IL23R receptor is on your cells that has lead to your iritis. be aware that you can get uveitis in the middle and back of your eyes as well and the sooner you get the iritis quieted down and the UNDERLYING cause, the psoriasis, controlled the sooner you will get the uveitis to remission.

you do require an expert in getting you there however.
wish you the very best,
Mike
Mike Bartolatz
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Hudsongrl
Posts: 92
Joined: Wed Nov 18, 2015 9:15 pm

Re: Can Severe Eyestrain Cause Iritis?

Post by Hudsongrl »

Hi Mike, i am seeing a uveitis specialist now and improving. He feels it is my Hashi thyroid that is the culprit. my psoriasis has been well controlled for years. I am now tapering down the Durezol ...was on 8 drops/ day and down to 4. Has only been 3 weeks, so I have a ways to go .I am finding a new endocrinologogist to work on the thyroiditis issue. I think I am way undermedicated in that area. Anyway, cheers and thanks for your kind response :)
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