Actor Lee Dong-gun (45) has been diagnosed with a rare disease called ankylosing spondylitis.
On the 28th, the SBS entertainment program 'My Little Old Boy' depicted Lee Dong-gun visiting the hospital due to health issues.
Lee Dong-gun appeared with bloodshot eyes and explained to the doctor, "My eyes are not good, and seeing light is painful. When it gets severe, the redness is strong, and I am very sensitive to light. It feels painful to see light. Now, after experiencing it for a year, I think it's just how it is, but at first, it was terrifying."
In response, the doctor mentioned uveitis, saying, "If there is inflammation in the uvea, there can be pain, light scattering, and symptoms like eye discomfort." However, the problem in Lee Dong-gun's case is that the uveitis has recurred for a year.
The doctor stated, "If the symptoms are recurring, there is a possibility of ankylosing spondylitis. The first symptom of ankylosing spondylitis can appear as uveitis."
Ankylosing spondylitis is a disease that causes the spine to stiffen and harden, known to affect only 1% of the population.
When asked if there were any other unusual symptoms, Lee Dong-gun replied, "Ten years ago, I felt a stabbing pain under my trapezius muscle while sleeping. It hurt even just to breathe. At that time, I suspected a disc issue."
The doctor reviewed Lee Dong-gun's X-ray results and said, "There is a joint called the sacroiliac joint that supports the upper body. It seems there is quite a bit of inflammation, around stage 2-3 of arthritis. We assess these symptoms collectively, and if the body's inflammation recurs, it can be diagnosed as ankylosing spondylitis."
The doctor advised, "The cause of ankylosing spondylitis is unknown. It is genetic, so lifelong management is necessary. Quitting alcohol and smoking, along with dietary management and inflammation suppression, is essential."
[Lee Da-kyum, Star Today Reporter]
