Many people think that `Ankylosing Spondylitis` is a disease that only affects the spine. That is true, it mainly affects the joints of the spine. But did you know that this disease can also affect other parts of the body, especially our eyes? Today we are talking about a very important connection that many people do not know about. That is the connection between `Ankylosing Spondylitis` and the eye condition `Uveitis`.
What is Uveitis?
Simply put, `Uveitis` is an inflammation, that is, swelling, of a membrane inside our eye. Our eye is made up of several layers, like an onion. The middle layer is called the (Uvea) . The colored part of your eye, that is, the (Iris) which is blue or brown in some people, is also part of this `Uvea`. So, the swelling of this `Uvea` membrane is called (Uveitis) . If only the `Iris` is affected, it is also called (Iritis) .
Between 30% and 40% of people with Ankylosing Spondylitis will develop Uveitis at some point in their lives, so it's important to be aware of this.
What are the symptoms? How do you recognize it?
Imagine, you have been having back pain for a while, and you feel stiff in the morning. When you see a doctor, he diagnoses it as `Ankylosing Spondylitis`. Now you are taking medication for it. While you are like that, suddenly one eye turns red and starts to itch. It is difficult to even look at the light. You may think, `What happened to this, did something happen to your eye?` Many people think that this is a common eye disease. But this could be a symptom of `Uveitis`, a condition that is associated with your `Ankylosing Spondylitis` disease.
Okay, now let's see what symptoms this `Uveitis` condition presents. These can appear suddenly, so it's very important to be aware of this.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Redness of the eye | Redness of the white of the eye. |
| Eye pain | A sharp, stabbing pain coming from inside the eye. |
| Sensitivity to light (Photophobia) | Difficulty looking at bright light, eyes turning blue. |
| Blurred vision | Decreased clear vision, feeling like you 're in a fog. |
| Excessive tears | Tears flow from the eyes for no particular reason. |
These symptoms usually appear in one eye first, but sometimes they can affect both eyes. This can start suddenly and can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated properly, so if you experience any of these symptoms, you should see an ophthalmologist, a doctor who specializes in eyes, without delay.
Are there types of uveitis?
Yes, `Uveitis` can be divided into four main types depending on where the inflammation occurs inside the eye. Let's see what they are.
| Uveitis variant | The part of the eye that is affected |
|---|---|
| Anterior uveitis | It affects the front part of the eye (between the cornea and the colored part of the eye ) . This is also called iritis . This is the most common type of iritis in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis. |
| Intermediate uveitis | It affects the retina , blood vessels, and the jelly-like part of the eye (vitreous body) behind the lens. |
| Posterior uveitis | It affects the inner layer at the back of the eye, namely the retina or the choroid . |
| Panuveitis | When inflammation spreads to all layers of the uvea , from the front to the back of the eye. |
How is the disease diagnosed and treated?
If you have Ankylosing Spondylitis, it is important to pay close attention to your eyes. Especially if you experience a shooting sensation in your eye, redness and pain, or blurred vision, don't ignore them. Talk to your doctor as soon as possible. This can help prevent misdiagnosis and start the right treatment as soon as possible.
Sometimes, when examining someone who has persistent anterior uveitis, it is discovered that they have previously undiagnosed Ankylosing Spondylitis. There is such a strong connection between the two diseases.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will first try to determine the exact cause of your symptoms, as uveitis can also be caused by other conditions (such as syphilis, tuberculosis, or Lyme disease).
A special test that is also done is a blood test to check for the presence of a gene called (HLA-B27) . This gene is found in a large percentage of Ankylosing Spondylitis patients, about 88%. This test is of great help in confirming the diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment usually involves eye drops or injections containing corticosteroids , which control inflammation and swelling inside the eye.
However, depending on the severity of your condition and how often it occurs, your doctor may prescribe additional medications. Never stop taking or discontinue medication without consulting a doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Ankylosing Spondylitis is not just a disease that affects the spine. It can also affect your eyes, causing a condition called uveitis.
- Always be aware of symptoms such as eye redness, pain, difficulty looking at light, and blurred vision.
- If you experience any of these symptoms, see an eye specialist immediately. Delaying treatment can lead to permanent vision damage.
- When you see an ophthalmologist, be sure to tell him or her that you have Ankylosing Spondylitis.
- There are very effective treatments for this. The sooner treatment is started, the better the results.
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