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Problem with eyelashes - Sjogren or blepharitis?

Posted , 3 users are following.

reddeea
reddeea

Hello,

Since 2 months ago I have noticed that my eyelashes are no longer curled and the upper lashes point downwards, so much that they bother my eyesight when I drive, while the down lashes point upwards.

I went to the ophtalmologist and they did the Schirmer test and they said I have dry eyes and most probably it is Sjogren's and that is what is causing my eylashes behaviour. They said Sjogren on the spot because I have lupus, but no other tests were made.

From reading much about it I am wondering if the eyelash problems aren't from a blepharitis and not from the dry eyes/ Sjogren. I looked on Sjogren symptoms and this isn't one of them. 

I did have some itchy eye problems and some dry skin on the eyelids a while ago. I no longer have those symptoms, just the eyelash problems.

What do you think it's causing the eyelashes to grow like this? Thank you!

2 likes, 16 replies

16 Replies

  • frustrated61
    frustrated61 reddeea

    Posted

    Hi Reddeea ~

    I have sjogrens and I thought I was going coo-coo when my eyelashes started looking different.  While my bottom lashes are still curled down, the top lashes are pointing down and are quite bothersome.  I haven't found anything stating that this is a side effect of sjogrens but that doesn't mean anything.  I've asked my doctor if this is a result of sjogrens and he said he believed it was.  So, with that said, perhaps you could check with your doctor.  Are you seeing a specialist that studied Sjogrens?  I can only talk from my experience and my eyelashes weren't like this before the sjogrens started. 

    Are your lashes thicker than usual? Mine are.  If you don't agree with the diagnosis your doctor gave you and you believe it's blepharitis, find an allergist that might be helpful with your lashes problem.  Mine aren't so long that it would infringe upon my driving, that seems a bit out there. 

    I believe that you should really try and see an allergist before you get into an accident.  I feel for you.  Not sure any of this was helpful. I will keep searching the net for some kind of an answer and get back to you.  However, if you find out something different than sjogrens, please post it!

    Good luck to you

    frustrated

    • reddeea
      reddeea frustrated61

      Posted

      Thank you!

      There aren't any Sjogren specialists in my country. I am happy they even know what Sjogren is. 

      I didn't notice them being thicker just very very straight, heading down and imposible to curl with mascara. 

      I think I will go see at least 2 other doctors and not mention Lupus to see what they come up with. 

    • frustrated61
      frustrated61 reddeea

      Posted

      Yes, mine are also difficult to curl as well...it's "frustrating" since I've always done that....anyway..there's truth to be said to not depend on looks because they do change!! 

      Maybe you might mention a Rheumatologist because they deal witih all the autoimmune diseases...ie: inflammation!

      Good luck...I'd like to know what you heard that they can do for you

      Warm regards

      Frustrated

  • babycham
    babycham reddeea

    Posted

    Hi, I had wondered from time to time about what the possibility was of myself having lupus. My brother had  it for years before he had complications and died a couple of years ago. My doctor tested me telling me it was neg and there was no need to do it again as result would always be the same. Now i am waiting to know if i have sjogren! Another auto immune disease. The wait is like waiting for a bus in the freezing cold!! I really need to get a grip and not think of my woes  
    • frustrated61
      frustrated61 babycham

      Posted

      Babycham, If you don't mind me asking...what did your doctor do to test you for sjogrens?  Just curious as to how different doctors do different things.

      frustraed

    • frustrated61
      frustrated61 babycham

      Posted

      Gotcha~ Hopefully you are on the mend soon.  Sjogrens is definitely not a disease that I would give my worse enemy...however I don't have one at least in realtime smile  Hugs to you...hang in there
  • george23539
    george23539 reddeea

    Posted

    Hi blepharahis, as i understand it is lack of oil from the glands to the eye margins hence eye lashes can go dry and even fall out,  also dry eyes, margins can inflame red and itch, i suffer from chronic blepharahis,  i hope info usefull 
    • babycham
      babycham george23539

      Posted

      Thanks for reply, I have eye drops which lubricant my eyes so help a lot, but other time like you say they itch like crazy. Feels like its actually my eye & sometmes the eye will be really painful. My left side of my cheek is swollen at the moment., Not as much as it previously did. That time the gp told nurse it probably was shingles but didn't turn that way
    • george23539
      george23539 babycham

      Posted

      Hi babycham, yes the eyes can feel just like that,  sometimes pressure builds up at back of eyes, can lead to pain, also eyes will water like acid in the eyes, i use carmellose 0.5 preservative free, seems to work for me. also over the year ive lost lot of lashes due to dryness, its all very sohgrins 
    • george23539
      george23539 babycham

      Posted

      Hi me again,  has your doctor, tested you for sohgrins,  if so has he refered you to a rhumy doctor,, a close second to sohgrims is sicca. syndrome, almost the same, in all ways., and b the same way in all illness caused by sohgrims... 
    • reddeea
      reddeea george23539

      Posted

      Thank you! I thought blepharitis reffered to some type of eylid infection. I am trying all sorts of alternative stuff right now, like seabuckthorn oil and I will let you know if anything works.
    • frustrated61
      frustrated61 george23539

      Posted

      Hi George ~

      I do have sjogrens and sarcoidosis and you are right, a Rheumatologist is the one that will help with the inflammation that both diseases cause.

      Frustrated

  • reddeea
    reddeea

    Posted

    Anyone tried the testosterone cream on eylids? it is supposed to work for Sjogren and dry eye syndrome.
    • frustrated61
      frustrated61 reddeea

      Posted

      for real?  I have not heard that but I'm game for just about anything!  I'll check it out.  Just like hemorroid cream is good for the under eye swelling

      Frustrated

    • frustrated61
      frustrated61 reddeea

      Posted

      How are things going for you, Reddeea?

      Have you been able to find out what's going on with your eyelids?  I'm anxious to hear how you're coming about.

      Warmly,

      Frustrated

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