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Episcleritis
I went to my optometrist today because my right eye started really hurting and was pretty red last night and today. This is the third time this has happened in the last couple of months. The first couple of times I basically ignored it, thinking it was just eye strain or something. It usually went away within a week. Since this was the third time happening I thought I should get it checked out.
After examining me, the doctor is pretty sure I have Episcleritis. He gave me a prescription for Vigamox ( a steroid eye drops) to use for one week.
He also said he'd like me to get checked out by my regular doctor and get some blood work drawn up. He wants me tested for Rheumatoid Arthritis. I told him I'm pretty sure I don't have it! I thought that was pretty weird until I went home and googled Episcleritis and saw why he said that. What struck out at me, though, was not the RA but that the article also said that Inflamatory Bowel Disease can play a role in this. The reason that struck out at me is because I was discovered to have Crohns 3 1/2 years ago when they did surgery on me to remove a mass in my small intestines that was constricting things. It was contained, in one area so they felt confident that after removing the mass I was in remission from the Crohns and may never have another outbreak.
Now I'm wondering about that! It's hard for me to understand how an infection in the eye can play a role in Crohns or RA. I understand it's inflamation in the body but would only the eye show it? I just don't understand any of this.
Should I go ahead and get tested for the RA even though I have no other symptoms for that? And should I look more into checking to make sure the Crohns isn't back? Again, wouldn't I have more symptoms than an eye infection? I've had some digestive upsets off and on but it was livable.
Also, is there anything else that can be done to keep my eye from flaring up again? If there is inflamation in my body, is there anything that should be or can be done to calm things down, and keep the inflamation in my eye or elsewhere from reccuring?
After examining me, the doctor is pretty sure I have Episcleritis. He gave me a prescription for Vigamox ( a steroid eye drops) to use for one week.
He also said he'd like me to get checked out by my regular doctor and get some blood work drawn up. He wants me tested for Rheumatoid Arthritis. I told him I'm pretty sure I don't have it! I thought that was pretty weird until I went home and googled Episcleritis and saw why he said that. What struck out at me, though, was not the RA but that the article also said that Inflamatory Bowel Disease can play a role in this. The reason that struck out at me is because I was discovered to have Crohns 3 1/2 years ago when they did surgery on me to remove a mass in my small intestines that was constricting things. It was contained, in one area so they felt confident that after removing the mass I was in remission from the Crohns and may never have another outbreak.
Now I'm wondering about that! It's hard for me to understand how an infection in the eye can play a role in Crohns or RA. I understand it's inflamation in the body but would only the eye show it? I just don't understand any of this.
Should I go ahead and get tested for the RA even though I have no other symptoms for that? And should I look more into checking to make sure the Crohns isn't back? Again, wouldn't I have more symptoms than an eye infection? I've had some digestive upsets off and on but it was livable.
Also, is there anything else that can be done to keep my eye from flaring up again? If there is inflamation in my body, is there anything that should be or can be done to calm things down, and keep the inflamation in my eye or elsewhere from reccuring?
I have this same condition and have been fighting with it for years. Definitely get yourself some lubricant eye drops (avoid generics) such as Rephresh, Blink, GenTeal. Also, to get the inflammation down, I was advised to take an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen in conjunction with my pred-forte that I was prescribed. Gluck with everything!
Wow, why would he have given me that prescription then? Should I not take those drops then?
I will look into seeing an opthomologist. I don't know how easy I can do so with my insurance or if I need a referral but I'll look into it then, thanks.
I will look into seeing an opthomologist. I don't know how easy I can do so with my insurance or if I need a referral but I'll look into it then, thanks.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Vigamox is an antibiotic NOT a steroid. This will not treat episcleritis. I suggest you see an ophthalmologist.
Dr. O.
Dr. O.
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