Iritis? Symptoms the optometrist missed?

[Tinker]

I have left eye pain, headache over that eye only when I am exposed to light....as in the computer light for 3 mos.

My eye does not tear and this pain is relieved when I get off the computer. It's not dry eye related...no corneal erosion.

I made an appt to see an ophthalmologist about 6 wks ago and they put me with an optometrist instead (I found out after I left) .
He did an eye exam and said I had no corneal erosion (which is what I thought at the time) but I knew it was different because I had no tearing , runny nose, and extreme pain. That is always how a corneal erosion has presented in the past.   I've had that too many times to count over 30 yrs.

Next step is to see a true ophthalmologist asap (just had major surgery on Tues unrelated) and get this checked out.

Is iritis common for SJS?  To think I have had this for 3 mos , went to the dr.,  and it persists.  I'm upset that this doc missed this diagnosis.  Something is wrong and when he found my cornea ok he should have had the MD take a look.

What is your take on this?  Iritis?  common with SJS?

[Tinker]

I see I have posted this in the wrong place.

Mods:  Please move this thread where it belongs?  Thx

[hootyhu1]

It is not caused by SJS but it is an autoimmune response. Some people get it once and never again, some have flare ups like we do with our diseases.

For a patient that had no other AI issues we would order labs. I was an ophthalmic tech in my 'former' life.  Some docs are more 'overly cautious' than others hence why some docs would do labs and others wouldn't. However, IMO the optom should catch iritis if that is the case.

Also, FYI, I have had a few patients that had no symptoms that they were aware that they were in a flare. That is not common but it has happened.

I would think that if you did have iritis and had pain and light sensitivity it would be all light, not just computer.

Hope this helps.
Hooty

[Nancy60]

Have you been diagnsed with irititis, or are you just questioning if this is what is going on. 
If you are still having issues, I agree getting in to see an Opthomologist is the next step.  Do you have an appointment yet?
Did the Optomotrist just say everything is OK and send you on your way, or did he have an other suggestions of what might be going on, recommend you see an Opthomologist (I am assuming he didnt by your post)? 

Nancy

[Tinker]

Thanks for your replies, ladies.

I did return to the ophthalmogist and she related the same symptoms and mentioned I was told to return if symptoms did not go away.

She was dismissive, told me I had dry eyes, fingermap, something (I wrote it down) and gave me a script for new eyedrops.

I mentioned I had an autoimmune dx and could she check for iritis.  Then, she comes back and looks again.

I was not impressed that she wasn't sure about it.  she's already looked once, my hx was on the chart (I looked) and she just said not to worry and use the drops.   

So, that's 2 drs and I have to accept the dry eyes expaination even if the symptoms are very different.

When your doc ordered blood work, what were the tests?

                                                                                                 Thx again, Sheila

[hootyhu1]

If we ever did blood work it is basic stuff that your pcp does, or your rheumy. Sed rate and such. I would agree with map dot dystrophy and dry eye syndrome. If you had iritis they would see it. With an AI dx or not, they would look for it and see it if it is there.

[gold55]

The Optometrist or Ophthalmologist would be able to see "cells and flare" in the anterior chamber during the slit lamp evaluation.....they would actually see things that indicate inflammation of the iris or uvea.