LymeNet Flash: iritis symptoms

This is topic iritis symptoms in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by flygirl (Member # 6669) on :

Hi all,

I have had iritis in one eye for ages, and am quite paranoid about it spreading to the good eye b/c I am now blind in the one that has had iritis for years. (now learning this is due to lyme/babs)

about 6 weeks ago I started taking aggressive drugs for Lyme Disease. My doc said to expect generalized flares - mostly in joints. so far, so good. very minimal - I expected to be sore and achey. but I don't feel bad at all but for my tummy.

however, I don't know if this is the general paranoia of iritis spreading, but, about a month ago the good eye would have an itch every so often. like a hair or eyelash was in it. I'd try to wipe whatever it was out, and it would be fine for days and then I'd get that little itch. not a bad itch, but a tickle.

my January 5 eye appt - all good, good eye still is stellar, no iritis. I can see fine too.

but the little itch still comes on once in a while. like a tickle - hair. I don't remember this before I started the meds.

this morning my good eye was a little bloodshot on the inner side - tinge. I can see fine, and I am not light sensitive.

my next appt is in 10 days. I don't know if I am being paranoid, or if I should run right to the doctor. the only reason I hesitate today is b/c I see my rheumy and that usually takes 2 hours min out of my workday and I don't want my boss to freak b/c I spent half the day in doctor's offices. as it is he's being very patient with my weekly doctor's visits of one sort or another.

do these symptoms sound panic inducing or just chill and watch what happens?

Posted by minoucat (Member # 5175) on :

I haven't had iritis or any major problems with my eyes, so take this for what it's worth:

My eyes have itched a lot at various times with the tx, and have often been a little bloodshot. Ditto with the hubby. I don't know why, and it's always passed by without a problem that I know of. My worst problem has been night blindness and floaters, which at times have darn near been blinding, but that's resolving pretty well too.

How about a phone call to your doc, just to let 'em know what's up and to ask if you should come in? And if you're really feeling worried, go ahead and see the opthomologist; it's always better to be safe.

Posted by heartsickmommy (Member # 6417) on :

After starting tx, my daughter's eyes (both of them) were bloodshot *every single day* for at least 2 months if not a bit longer. Also, her lower lids were fire-engine red. They didn't seem to be bothering her much since I never really saw her rubbing them, but it scared the bee-jee-zus out of me! Eventually, though, her eyes cleared up and so did her lower lids with no damage that we've been able to detect.

I wish I could help with the hair/tickling sx, but she's a toddler and has limited verbalization skills. Still, I thought perhaps this might calm you a bit to know that the tx you're on might be the reason for your eye sx and may pass as my daughter's did.

But, as minoucat wrote, if you are really worried, it's always better to be safe.