Iritis again

For the last two weeks I felt a burning sensation in both eyes (worse in the left eye) upon awakening. I would mention this to one of my colleagues over morning tea. I also experienced mild light sensitivity. Today it became worse while I was at work and I grappled with the idea of remaining at work until dusk (because of the photophobia) or leaving for home before my symptoms worsened. I decided the smartest thing to do would be to head home.

On my way home the symptoms worsened significantly within ten minutes of being exposed to the bright sunshine. Both eyes began to weep and I had to drive while squinting because the light was painful. I could not keep my left eye open for long, and eventually I was driving with my head tipped back against my headrest to afford me some view of the road through my 3/4 closed right eye. I acknowledge that this was dangerous to do. I thought of pulling over to the side of the road, but I had no cell phone and would not have been able to arrange a lift. I ensured that I took every safety precaution: driving within the speed limit in the slow lane, not changing lanes, and frequently checking all mirrors.

I am really frustrated that this is now my third episode of iritis that I have experienced: Sept 9th, 2006, October 7th, and now Jan 10th, 2007.

Upon reaching home, I instilled Voltaran eye drops that had been prescribed. I then slept for five hours and reinstilled them upon awakening. So it's back to two drops three times per day. I would be interested in hearing about others' experiences with this AS complication; please email/comment your experiences to gymjunkie247@rogers.com