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Janine
Registered User
(10/2/09 6:49 pm)


Blepheritis & Cataracts?!
Hi Friends, how are you all doing? Me, I'm doing very well, and have been flare-free, so have not been to San Francisco to meet with a uveitis specialist. However, I did have an eye exam today to just generally check on my eyes and to see if I need a new prescription.
New information for me is that I was diagnosed with blepheritis and also cataracts. The cataracts are not affecting my vision at all, and the doctor guessed that I would perhaps need surgery in my 60s rather than in my 70s (I'm 41).
So, I just wanted to check in about this. Do people with uveitis often get these conditions?
Thanks for the support!
Janine

MikeBartolatz
Registered User
(10/2/09 7:51 pm)


Re: Blepheritis & Cataracts?!
yes cataracts are directly linked to uveitis. most often they are very dense cataracts initially of the subcapsular type. cataracts can also be brought on by the corticosteroids used to treat uveitis and other diseases. topical, injectible and oral steroids are cumulative in their effect. half of individuals who use topical steroids will start to develop cataracts after about 850 drops of 1% prednisilone acetate (equivilent to pred forte).

Blepharitis causes the glands which secrete the lubricant part of the tear film, the myebomian glands located along the hairline of the eyelid to become plugged up. this can be from a pathogen or related to systemic diseases.
often it is related to the lacrimal gland not secreting fluid for the tear film related to Severe Dry eyes. the Lacrimal gland can become inflammed from autoimmune attack on it. it is frequently seen in HLA B27 systemic autoimmune conditions related to uveitis. it is also seen in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Sjorgren's syndrome and many of the Connective tissue disease processes and Sarcoidosis. depending on the cause, various treatments are available for Blepharitis. often washing the eyelashline with a mild solution of baby shampoo and warm water while gently massaging along the lash line will break up 'plugs' from thickened secretion and allow them to flow again. if dry eyes is present, it is advised to instill a lubricating eyedrop prior to this so that the secretion can mix with the eyedrop creating a better tear film. the Antibiotic Doxycycline is sometimes given for it's anti inflammatory effect as well as for treating bacterial cause of blepharitis.
for severe dry eyes that doesn't respond to punctal plugs, cauterization of the puncta or Restasis, Immunomodulation has proven effective. articles on all of this can be found in the LEARNING ABOUT OCULAR INFLAMMATORY DISEASE forum.

Wish you the best,
Mike

rmperry
Registered User
(10/4/09 7:49 am)


Re: Blepheritis & Cataracts?!
Janine - great news about being flare-free! Thanks for letting us know.

Take care,
Mary

Janine
Registered User
(10/4/09 7:25 pm)


Re: Blepheritis & Cataracts?!
Thank you very much, Dr. Mike, for the support and helpful information. I really appreciate it. This forum is perfect for "support and coping."
I hope you have a good week, and know that you help so many people!
Janine

MikeBartolatz
Registered User
(10/5/09 8:12 am)


Re: Blepheritis & Cataracts?!
I'M NOT a doctor. Just a patient with a very long history of pars planitis, anterior uveitis, glaucoma, cataracts, Csytoid macular Edema and epiretinal membranes from decades of steroid only treatment of all of this. I have severe dry eyes as well which has been complicated by blepharitis in the past.

Wish you the best,
Mike

Janine
Registered User
(10/5/09 8:42 pm)


Re: Blepheritis & Cataracts?!
I know, Mike, but I'm giving you at least an honorary Ph.D for all your life experience and all your help!
Janine8)

MikeBartolatz
Registered User
(10/6/09 10:18 pm)


Re: Blepheritis & Cataracts?!
Thanks for the complement Janine.
others do one hell of allot here and behind the scenes to make this support group possible. this site wouldn't exist if it weren't for Liz keeping everything going and reviewing memberships for the UOSG support group in Cambridge (she built this site back in 1999) pretty amazing lady.

Take care,
mike

Janine
Registered User
(10/30/09 11:40 pm)


Re: Blepheritis & Cataracts?!
Liz ROCKS! What a great team.
Janineuveitis.org/kids/images/s...flying.gif

Webmaster
Administrator
(10/31/09 12:40 am)


Re: Blepheritis & Cataracts?!
I would add that blepharitis can be caused, or certainly aggrivated, by many eye drops. In my experience, the dilating drops and drops for glaucoma were the worst offenders.

Liz

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