HLA B27 and Iritis
HLA B27 is a name given to part of your genetic make up and is found in 7% of the UK population. It is still unknown how this genetic make up can predispose you to inflammation conditions such as Iritis but it probably is involved in the way your immune system deals with infections.
Iritis and HLA B27
This type of irits can be of sudden onset and can be quite aggressive. It is therefore important that if you feel discomfort in the eye associated with redness and a possible worsening of discomfort in bright light that an Ophthalmologist sees you soon.
Is it associated with any conditions?
Certain medical conditions such as Psoriasis (a skin condition); Irritable bowel disorder; Ankylosing Spondylitis (an arthritis of the lower spine) and Reactive Arthritis (joint pain following an infection) are more frequent if you are HLA B27 positive. It is therefore important that you let your doctor know if you or anyone in your family has these conditions or symptoms such as a sore lower back even if they are mild. The importance for this is that early diagnosis can help prevent later possible problems such as a longstanding stiff back and neck.
How is HLA B27 treated?
Usually patients will need steroid and dilating (making the pupil big) eye drops to control the inflammation and ease the discomfort. The dilating eye drops will further make the vision blurred and the effect of these drops can last for several days after having been stopped. Warm compressions with a flannel soaked in cooled boiled water can also ease discomfort and help to dilate the pupil. Steroid eye drops may be given every hour for the first few days. Sometimes it may be necessary to give a small injection of anti-inflammation medicine beside the eye. This is so a high dose can be given to where it is needed to try and gain control of the inflammation which can be quite aggressive.
The Iritis will usually resolve on its own in 6-8 weeks but the drops can make this quicker and with less discomfort.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will my vision get better?
It is rare for this type of Iritis to cause permanent vision loss. Problems can occur if Steroid medication is used without proper close follow-up by an Ophthalmologist.
How can I prevent involvement of the other eye?
Unfortunately there is little you can do to prevent recurrences in either eye. The best thing is to recognise that it can recur and so get the inflammation treated quickly with eye drops.
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