My name is Michael and I have been suffering with iritis for about 7-8 years. I get iritis about once a year and it lasts for about two weeks. It starts out slowly for days 1-4; days 5-9 are usually miserable; days 10-14 show daily improvement. It is always my right eye. One episode about 4 years ago was severe but I would consider most of the other episodes to be moderate. I have found that steroids work well to calm down the iritis and reduce the pain but I'm concerned about using the steroids, even if it is only for a week or two a year. Steroids reduce the effect of the iritis, especially if I use them early in the episode, but do not tend to reduce the duration of the episode. I am 44 years old and in good health. I have found no correlation of iritis to anything else in my life except that I notice the iritis tends to flare up when I have stress at work; this could just be a coincidence.
I have been to several ophthalmologists but I think I need to go to a specialist. I saw several specialists on this website; none are near me but I can travel to see one. I was looking for suggestions before I do that. I noticed that there was mention about HLA-B27. Does anyone know if I can get such a test without visiting a doctor? I'm thinking that if I could get some blood work done prior to traveling to see a specialist, that might be helpful.
Thank you for any suggestions you may have.
Annually Recurring Iritis
Moderators: Mike Bartolatz, kwork
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Mike Bartolatz
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Re: Annually Recurring Iritis
only a medical doctor can ask for the genetic testing for HLA B27 to my knowledge.
your primary care physician can order it.
stress does seem to trigger renewed inflammation as can bouts of seasonal allergy if severe. anything that causes inflammation anywhere or infections can cause a renewed bout of uveitis. It might be difficult to get anyone to give you something other than corticosteroids since you have only a short period of inflammation once a year. if it becomes recurrent or chronic lasting about 3 to six months then go see an Uveitis expert.
wish you the best,
Mike
your primary care physician can order it.
stress does seem to trigger renewed inflammation as can bouts of seasonal allergy if severe. anything that causes inflammation anywhere or infections can cause a renewed bout of uveitis. It might be difficult to get anyone to give you something other than corticosteroids since you have only a short period of inflammation once a year. if it becomes recurrent or chronic lasting about 3 to six months then go see an Uveitis expert.
wish you the best,
Mike
Mike Bartolatz
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