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Causes of dry eye

Posted , 3 users are following.

tinner
tinner

I have been taking methotrexate for over 8 years for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, which I have had for most of my adult life, and then about 4 months ago my consultant suggested I started taking Hydroxycholoroquine as well as he thought that might further reduce morning stiffness and associated symptoms.

After several months of taking the extra mediation I did notice an improvement in my condition although towards the end of that period I started to get sore and a gritty feeling in my eyes in the evening only eased by closing them. I then happened to go to an optician with a view to trying contact lenses but he told me I had a significant case of dry eyes that he said was caused by the use of immunosupressants and suggested it damaged the cells that produce the tears and corneal lubricant.

When I did some online research I discovered that Sjogrine’s syndrome is when an autoimmune condition affects the tear and other similar glands and that Hydroxycholoroquine has been used for the treatment of dry eye rather than causing it. So I am now rather confused and unsure whether to stop the additional drug and get back to the state it was a few months back when I was only taking methotrexate, or to push on through it.

It does seem strange that the dry eye condition has only arisen since I started the additional drug rather than just creep up on me anyway in my late fifties.

Can anyone relate to this or give me some ideas? Thanks, Jules

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Poemsgalore
    Poemsgalore

    Posted

    Hi, I too have Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Sjogren's Syndrome. I was on Methotrexate injections for 5 years,

    but the Sjogren's began a few years before I started them. I was still on NSAIDS then. It didn''t get any worse on Methotrexate, so any immunosuppressants should help the condition, not make it worse. I have never used Hydroxychloroquine, so don't know how it affects it. I have stopped using Methotrexate now, I had to stop in February as I was due to have chemotherapy. But I still take 10mg of Leflunomide.

    I use preservative free Hypromellose eye drops, Beconase nasal spray and either Glandosane Oral spray, or Biotene oral gel, as my Sjogren's affects my eyes, nose, mouth, and through my digestive system, giving me symptoms similar to IBS.

    If your GP is treating your disease, ask for a referral to the rheumatology department of your local hospital, the doctors there are more expert with these auto-immune diseases.

    A good website to visit, is the Arthritis Care website: This link will take you to a page which contains a pdf file about Sjogren's:

    http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/Search/search_results_page_view?SearchableText=sjogrens%20syndrome&origSearchableText=sjogren's%20syndrome

    All the best, Poemsgalore

  • kevin132
    kevin132

    Posted

    I have Heart probs and rheumotoid arthritis, also sjogrens and raynauds now.

    I get dry eyes and also have a lack of saliva and a dry mouth.

    This can also cause dental problems.

  • rose77485
    rose77485

    Posted

    I did not know that Sjogren's could affect the digestive system! I am diagnosed with Sjogren antibodies, but I am not being treated after seeing 3 different rhematologists. I was prescribed tear duct surgery for my dry eyes, I use Biotene dental products for my dry mouth and try to keep my nose moisturized to prevent it from bleedining. Even though I clearly have symptoms, every rhematologist I have seen has said there is no real treatment for it, and that you can only do things to make you feel more comfortable. My favorite answer has been "drink more water." They insist that the side effects from immunosuppesants would not be worth it. I also have SLE antibodies and hashimotos..
  • Poemsgalore
    Poemsgalore

    Posted

    Hi Rose,

    The link above will take you to a pdf file about Sjogren's, one quote from it says:

    "and you may also experience stomach or bowel discomfort. Less common symptoms include dry skin and kidney problems."

    poemsgalore

  • rose77485
    rose77485

    Posted

    Interesting! I am not surprised about the kidney problems, since it is so closely related to lupus and lupus frequently causes kidney problems. Thanks for the resource.
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