Rheumatologist, Uveitis Specialist or both?

[DAMNMS]

I've had mild flareups of iritis since 2 severe cases about 6 months ago and although it's not bad right now, I want to do what I can to head it off if at all possible. Anyway, per the advice of this website I was tested for the HLA-B27 gene and it came back positive. My internal medicine doctor thinks I should see a rheumatologist or I can go see a Uveitis specialist. Should I see the rheumatologist first since she's local and diagnose and/or rule out some conditions or should I travel the 4 hours to the specialist since I know I have issues with Iritis? Thanks for input.

[Mike Bartolatz]

you should probably see an ocular immunologist as treatment to stop the re occuring nature of HLA B27 uveitis requires something besides just topical steroids. usually adding an NSAID such as celebrex, difusinal or naprosyn can break the cycle. if you have one of the forms of arthritis that can make it even more important to seek steroid sparing treatment early on to prevent complications to both conditions.

you may require input from a rheumatologist as well. see the eye specialist first to make certain that there are no other changes to the eye from this.

I hope your iritis doesn't come back.

take care,
mike