Eye Infections

[LiveLoveLaugh04]

Hi all,

I need your advice regarding my problems with the left eye. I was diagnosed last May after being hospitalized (extreme dehydration caused by vomiting). So, they had to admit me since they were worried about my kidneys and had no idea what caused vomiting in the first place. I guess this was a blessing in disguise because for three years prior to this, I had various stomach problems but those doctors kept saying it could be stress (although I had no reasons to be stressed out). I am very strict about my diet. Unless it is written that is gluten-free, I do not eat it. Since October, I have been getting eye infections a lot. My eye looks bloodshot, sometimes itchy (not always), sometimes has a little yellow discharge, and tearing a lot. I also noticed that I do not see as well, esp. at night. Drs. gave me different eye drops, eventually it got better and than soon after, it would start all over again. My eye doctor even asked me: "are you sure there is a problem?" I am beyond frustrated and to be completely honest, extremely scared. I came across Sjorgen's syndrome and I am wondering if this could be it. Has anyone experienced this? If it is Sjorgen's, what is the best treatment for it?How dangerous is it? I am terrified of being diagnosed with something else. Next month I have to go for my check up with my gastroenterologist and I want to make sure to ask all the right questions.If you have any knowledge on this topic, please let me know. I would greatly appreciate your help. Thank you!

[LauraTX]

It is plausible that something like Sjogrens could give you dry eye and make it more susceptible to infection.  Definitely follow up on that, and are you seeing an ophthalmologist?  If not, definitely make an appointment to get the eye looked at in depth, and discuss the possibility of that issue there.

[Gemini]

I have Sjogren's Syndrome and have had it for years before I was diagnosed.  Like you, I stumbled onto it after doing some research.  There is antibody blood testing that can be done but because it is an autoimmune issue, there are false negatives that can occur.  I would suggest a trip to an ophthalmologist and ask for testing. 

 

I did have some eye infections exactly as you described but only a couple of times.  My eyes were mainly blood red, dry and extremely uncomfortable and light sensitive.

I still have light sensitivity but use Restasis eye drops (Rx) every day and it has helped quite a bit.  Without them, my eyes are a mess.  I would say the only danger in having Sjogren's is not being diagnosed because having very dry eyes all the time can affect your vision.  I am not implying that you will go blind but your vision can become worse, you may need stronger glasses and you'll keep getting infections if the problems aren't addressed.  Restasis does not help everyone but you do not know unless you try it. 

 

Do you have dry mouth also and dental problems?  These are the hallmarks of Sjogren's as it just doesn't affect your eyes.  Try not to be scared and worry needlessly and yes.....I know that is not easy to do.  I have 4 AI diseases and am older so take everything in stride these days.  Things are gonna happen as you get older so the best thing to do is find out what the problems are and address symptoms to make your life more pleasant.  It would be far better to know that you may have Sjogren's than to keep going to all these doctors who just keep giving you eye drops for infections and not finding out why it is happening.

 

Good luck and keep us updated!  If you have any more questions, feel free to ask away!  

[Renaye]

I had many infections and trips to the dentist that indicated sjogren's but my blood work is negative but I am treated with plaquenil for fatigue and mild joint pain by my rheumatologist. I use systane eye drops and there is a night time gel by refresh that is really good. If your blood work is negative then they call it "sicca syndrome." Sjogren's can go hand in hand with celiac. My eyes got better after my stress level went down, plaquenil, eye drops and I quit wearing contacts and eye make-up. Hope

this helps.