A Happy New Year to everyone and welcome to the newsletter which will be free of all reference to the word “millennium“.

Thank you to all those who have taken the time to phone or write about their experiences. It is very useful to hear about these and develop an idea of the common problems that exist. Some of these were mentioned in the last newsletter. One recurring theme which may be worth looking into is the disruptive effects of anterior uveitis. Again and again this comes up when speaking to people with this condition. A lot of people describe problems dealing with their work or studies. This seems to be when they are having attacks of inflammation and, also for periods after the (cont. on page 2) inflammation has settled down.

• Is it because the vision is sometimes good and sometimes poor that makes it difficult to adapt?
• Is it the physical discomfort or light sensitivity that is disruptive?

It would be interesting to hear of peoples’ experiences and any ways they adapt to minimise the problems.

The Uveitis came on suddenly, having no problems with my eyes before. My eyes were red and very sore, especially when I looked at a light. I went to my G.P. who diagnosed an infection and gave me some eye drops. I went back three times over the next couple of months, with blurred vision or sore eyes. I was then sent to the local hospital.

After a lot tests and investigations I was told I had Uveitis, caused by Sarcoidosis, an auto- immune, T.B- like condition. Although any organs of the body can be affected, I am fortunate that it is only my eyes.

The treatment is steroids, either tablets or eye drops, as in most auto-immune conditions.

Over the last eighteen years I have had many ups and downs in vision, due to flare-ups, cataracts and other complications.

Last year I had a lens implant and this year I had a new and somewhat experimental operation at St. Thomas’s Hospital, both of which have improved the vision in my left eye, The right eye is not good, so I will not bore you with that.

I am registered partially sighted, which is worth doing as I get Disability Allowances and a bus pass.

I am in full time employment, working shifts in a residential home and with a few aids, CCTV (Close circuit television), talking calculator and the like, manage well.

My husband does have to be my taxi driver, and do the weekly Sainsburys shop, I find the lights in the shop make me feel peculiar, but now he is fully trained by me to shop , he says he enjoys it, So you see it is not all bad

Ring 01806 577310 for help or contact the UIG (see top of page).

Uveitis Information Group is a charity registered in Scotland, no. SCO28439