The last few days, I have been having problems with my eyes feeling very dry. The left eye in particular now feels very irritated, to the point where I had to take my contacts out a short while after putting them in this morning.
I am on Plaquenil and thought maybe a side effect was starting to appear, but remembered reading about Sjogren's and dry eyes. For those of you on Plaquenil, do you suffer from eye irritation... and for those of you diagnosed with Sjogren's, is there a test for it so they can determine if it's an AI problem or just the medication? Thanks for any information.
Ginger...I don't know much about Sjogren's, but I'm glad you asked. I've been noticing my eyes have been burning a lot lately. I'll be interested to see the replies you get. Sorry I can't help.Ginger,
Hello and Welcome!!! I don't take Plaquenil but I do have Sjorgens.
I noticed that my eyes were very very dry and my skin was extra dry so I spoke with my RD and he diagnosed Sjorgens. I use Restasis, 1 drop 2 times a day and helps tremendously!! I hope this helps.
Hugs
I was Dx'd with dry and inflamed eyes and also use Restasis. There is a blood test for Sjogren's but I was negative as I am for every blood test. They can also do a lip biopsy but I didn't think that was necessary since it would be secondary Sjogren's.
Take care
Thank you angy! I will be sure to mention it at my next appointment and in the meantime, force myself to put drops in my eyes... *shudder* I hope your eyes feel better too, Linncn.
Bonny, I'm learning quickly that blood tests for AI disorders can be so frustrating. I'm thinking it's a secondary condition for me as well, unless the RD tells me otherwise about Plaquenil. Let the collecting begin.
Hi Ginger, I have RA, Sjogren's, contacts and I'm on plaquenil! What a match we are. I'm not sure about whether or not my dry eyes are from the plaq or Sjogren's, but I'm assuming the 2nd since I also have dry mouth, etc.
On ways to cope...
I had a lot of problems with my contacts awhile back, and used eye drops to try to better them. Then I found out about Sjogren's. Last time I got contacts, I made sure I bought Acuvue Oasys. They help a TON. I still have to use drops some days; I use Allergan Refresh Dry Eye Therapy Lubricant Eye Drops. It's a bit thicker than normal drops, but costs a bit more too. My eye doc also suggested Opti-Free Replenish as my solution - said it has different technology to help retain the moisture. And I believe there's some meds if your Sjogren's is too much, but I personally rather just use drops and drink lots of water to try to deal with it.
Hope you figure it out! Or at least figure out how to deal with it :)
Ginger, I have recently been diagnosed with RA and have not yet begun any meds. My symptoms, so far, are mild enough that my RD is waiting. However, I have just noticed burning, dry eyes, with a gritty feeling, and also a canker sore in my mouth, something new to me. I was wondering if that is Sjogren's.
Can someone tell me what are the specific blood tests? Thanks!
Thank you for all the information and great tips, especially the special contact lenses. Duh, I didn't even think that perhaps just going to the ophthalmologist -- which I'm due for anyway -- would be the logical solution! I should have done it as soon as I got the Plaquenil scrip filled.