Pars Planitis

[dnor]

I was diagnosed with pars planitis about 5 months ago.  My ophthalmologist diagnosed it and had me come back once, and then I have to go back 6 months later. I already have a cataract starting because of it. I have read  online about pars planitis, and they  say that treatment should be aggressive, and that you can have vision loss.  My doctor has not done anything.  I am 30 years old, and do not want to lose my vision.  Should more be being done?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

Not all cases of pars planitis need treatment as the medications used to reduce inflammation in the eye are potent and can cause side effect themselves. Frequent observation is important.

If you would feel more comfortable with an additional opinion you can schedule an consultation with a ophthalmologist (Eye MD) that specializes in vitreo-retinal disease.

JCH III MD

[dnor4]

Thanks for the advice, but I have one other question.  My opthalmologist stated that there appeared to be a previous flare up of my Pars Planitis in the past.  I remember my eyes bothering me when I had extremely bad allergies when I was in High School.  I went through the whole immunization shots, and everthing got better.  Until 6 months ago, when my eyes and allergies started bothering me.  I first went to the Opthalmologist who diagnosed the Pars Planitis.  Now I am also back with an allergiest and I have all new allergies and going through the shots again.  They put me on Prednizone for awhile to help with the allergies, which also helped my eyes.  I know that Pars Planitis could have over a 100 different reason and they are not sure of why it happens, but has there ever been a link to allergies causing the problem?  Thanks for your advice and your help.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

Systemic allergy like hayfever, perennial rhinitis are not more prone to have allergies and pars planitis patients do not have a higher incidence than normal of allergy. I think they are two different problems allergy being common and pars planitis being uncommon.

JCH III MD