On the Sept. 28 episode of SBS’s “My Little Old Boy,” the actor visited a hospital looking visibly concerned.
He told the doctor his right eye had been bloodshot and painfully sensitive to light, with vision in that eye markedly reduced ― symptoms that have persisted for more than a year.
The physician explained the signs pointed to uveitis, which can trigger eye pain, light flares and blurred vision.
Given how long the symptoms have lasted, the doctor added they could be tied to a rheumatic disease called ankylosing spondylitis.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a progressive inflammatory arthritis that can cause the spine to stiffen if left untreated. On the show, it was described as rare in Korea, affecting roughly 1% of the population ― news that left the panel of celebrity moms visibly worried.
Asked about other issues, Lee recalled a night about a decade ago when he woke to a piercing, awl-like pain that made even breathing agonizing.
Reviewing X-rays taken that day, the doctor said the images suggested stage 2-3 inflammation out of four and, considering the full picture, diagnosed ankylosing spondylitis.
Lee also tested positive for a gene associated with the condition, though he said there’s no known family history. The doctor noted that while this is uncommon, a genetic predisposition means lifelong management is crucial. Even when symptoms ease, neglecting care can lead to complications, the physician warned.
For inflammation control, the doctor advised avoiding alcohol, cigarettes, sugar and refined flour, adding that vitamin C may aid recovery. The physician also mentioned a patient who saw inflammatory markers drop after dietary changes, including incorporating perilla oil.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Hyo-jung)