go depending on stress, weather, or other triggers.
Symptoms include:
- Eye redness
- Eye pain
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred vision
- Dark, floating spots in your field of vision (floaters)
- Decreased vision
Knowing the symptoms of uveitis is important because getting treatment as soon as possible will prevent vision loss.
The goal of treatment is to reduce the inflammation in your eye and other parts of your body. “Uveitis is typically treated with steroid eye drops in combination with oral medications to treat the underlying PsA,” says Dr. Barr. Antibiotics, antiviral medications, or other medicines, with or without corticosteroids may also be prescribed if uveitis is caused by infection.
How quickly you recover depends on the severity of your symptoms and which part of your body is affected.
How to treat psoriasis around the eyes
If you are suffering from eye psoriasis, contact your dermatologist. He or she can provide several treatment options including topical meds, mild steroids for your face, and potent steroids to treat your whole body.
“If you have a flare around your eyelids, you should begin utilizing the mild-to-moderate topical steroid that has been prescribed by your doctor, ideally on the first day of your flare,” Aaron Farberg, M.D., dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, TX. says. “There are other non-steroidal alternatives, which are particularly useful in sensitive areas such as the eyelids.”
Finding the right treatment may take some trial and error, however, once you find something that works; it can be your go-to protocol for future flare-ups.
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Making lifestyle changes
Making changes to your daily routine to reduce inflammation can greatly help your joints, skin, and eyes. “Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega 3 fatty acids while avoiding foods that can promote inflammation, such as processed or red meat and dairy products, can help keep your eyes as healthy as possible,” Dr. Barr adds. “Stress reduction and exercise are also important and play a positive role in your eye health.”
Prioritizing your eye health will be important if you are living with psoriatic arthritis. Having an annual eye exam and letting your eye doctor know of your psoriatic arthritis diagnosis is the best way to detect changes to your eyes early and get treated right away. With these lifestyle changes, you’ll be able to live a healthy life with PsA.