Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group iritis

Hey everyone,

What is Iritis and how do you get it??
thanks for any replys!!

Best wishes,
Korye

Hi, Korye:

Iritis is an inflammation of the iris, and if you believe me a B27 person can more easily triger it by eating starch. Actually, eating the wrong starch at the wrong time is a more appropriate way to express this.

Our bodies produce an antibody when too many Klebsiella pneumoniae (germs that love starch) are detected. This antibody rids us of the germ, but also attacks certain tissue (anti-self, or autoimmune) with a similar Osp (outer surface protein): Collagen types I, III, IV, and V. The iris is made from collagen type IV, so it is attacked.

ASers taking Azulfidine are known to diminish the severity and frequency of iritis episodes. This is probably due to the antibiotic component of this drug.

Usually, iritis occurs in just one eye and it is usually very bloodshot and painful on exposure to almost any level of light. The eye waters very much and the pain is like a hot ice pick. It can affect the eye focus and even cause blindness.

DON'T get this!
John

Korye,

Here is some information about iritis:

http://www.djo.harvard.edu/meei/PI/iritis.html


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Kristin

Hi Korye,

I can't really add anything to the above post except... put this on your list of things "Not To Do". It really, really sucks!

If you do get it, in all likelihood you will know something is seriously wrong...and then some! It causes sever pain. My GP told me it hurts so much because your body is setting off an alarm to let you know something is terribly wrong, and that you can go blind. When I had it, I woke up with a really red eye that hurt. It of course was a Sunday, and I went to the local urgent care. They misdiagnosed me and I ended up in the ER.

There are a lot of websites out there with good info. I use to log on to Iritis.org but I don't think it is there any longer.

Take care,

Trinka

Trinka (and whomever else),

Here is a link to information and support: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/uveitissupport/


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Kristin

Edited by Krystyn on 07/31/03 02:51 PM (server time).