Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Dry Eyes?

Elizabeth5220

By Elizabeth5220
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

Elizabeth5220 Apprentice
Elizabeth5220
Posted

Hello all!

I'm new to this forum so quick history...

-Diagnosed with Grave's Disease in 1999--thyroid ablated and on replacement meds since

-Have had both hips replaced; age 45 and 47

-Current age: 50

I went gluten-free 4/10 for a year and then...thought I'd try it again--I know, I know...dumb! dumb! dumb!

Anyway, for the past two months I've been having horrible issues with my eyes--dry, sand-papery, heavy lids. I've been to opthamologists and I'm told that my eyes look/are healthy and do not appear to be dry...but they sure feel that way!

So...it occurred to me that gluten...again...may be my problem. As of yesterday I cut it out--or so I thought until I checked the empty can of tomato paste in the garbage...after I ate it...grrrrrrrrrr! Funny thing--my eyes felt pretty good all day until after I ate...coincidence?

Anyideas or thoughts would be appreciated.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


rosetapper23 Explorer
rosetapper23
Posted

Chronic dry eyes can be due to nutritional deficiencies, which are common in people with celiac. Nutrients that are essential for healthy eyes are Vitamins A, B-2, B-6 and C, Potassium, Essential Fatty Acids (saturated fats such as flaxseed oil or fish oil), and Zinc. When my eyes were chronically dry, it turned out to be due to a deficiency in Zinc.

Also, if you continue to have dry-eye problems, you might have your doctor look into the possibility that you might have Sjogren's, which is an auto-immune disease that people with celiac commonly contract.

pricklypear1971 Community Regular
pricklypear1971
Posted

I've had dry eyes for about ten years (probably more, but that's when they got really bad).

I've noticed they seem to be doing better (I notice because my vision has improved without yawning :)). I knew it was dry eyes when my vision was better after yawning... when I told my ophthalmologist about that they started pushing for collagen plugs...

Now, I don't think I need them.

I still have bad days when seasonal allergies are bad.

Marilyn R Community Regular
Marilyn R
Posted

Hi Elizabeth, and welcome to the forum! :)

Yep, I've had dry eyes, not sure it is a symptom of celiac disease or just general allergies like drippy nose. I like Systane eye drops, which can be purchased OTC.

Wow: bilateral hip replacements at such a young age! Do you have dejenerative joint disease or osteoporosis? Both are strongly asssociated with celiac disease, especially with onset at such a young age. "Living Without" Magazine had a really good aricle about that about 4 - 6 months ago. I have a copy of it ... I made a copy for all of my docs.

Wish you well. I'm not giving medical advice but it sounds like gluten-free is someething you might want to look into.

Lori2 Contributor
Lori2
Posted

I just noticed a few days ago that it has been over a month since I have used my sup. for dry eyes and my eyes are doing fine.

Chad Sines Rising Star
Chad Sines
Posted

when i first diagnosed myself with celiac, i lived in Tennessee with its 80%+ humidity. Had horrible dry eyes. Bad. Always suffering dry, red eyes. Moved to Arizona about a month after going gluten-free and still needed some but quickly stopped needing it and the humidity there is under 10%. You can pee and it never hits the ground.

Ellie84 Apprentice
Ellie84
Posted

Same here, even though in the Netherlands the air is usually very humid. At some point I woke up 3 nights in 2 weeks with a small scratch on my eye, because my eyelids were stuck to my cornea. After the third trip to the hospital in the dark of night my doctors proscribed something amazingly simple: an eye cream based on vaseline. I use a little bit of it every night now and I never have to fear waking up in sudden pain.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Elizabeth5220 Apprentice
Elizabeth5220
Posted
  • Author

Thanks for the replies! It sounds like there may be some hope...

I've thought about Sjogren's...hope that's not the case as there doesn't seem to be alot of good treatment options. I've tried many different OTC drops, some prescription, and I also have punctal plugs (tiny little golf tee shaped plugs that are supposed to prevent moisture from draining through the tear duct).

As far as the hips and arthritis--I've been told it's just degenerative osteoarthritis--I've also got it in my toes of all places but I hear they replace those joints as well.

Well...with the exception of the tomato paste in the casserole last night...today is Day 3 of gluten-free...again!

Thanks everyone and look forward to getting to know you all better...

zimmer Rookie
zimmer
Posted

Well...with the exception of the tomato paste in the casserole last night...

Curious about the tomato paste - I checked a can I have and its only ingredient is tomatoes - which are gluten free - ???

Elizabeth5220 Apprentice
Elizabeth5220
Posted
  • Author

Curious about the tomato paste - I checked a can I have and its only ingredient is tomatoes - which are gluten free - ???

My can...Contadina with Italian Herbs said wheat gluten...maybe an old can?!

sa1937 Community Regular
sa1937
Posted

My can...Contadina with Italian Herbs said wheat gluten...maybe an old can?!

I also saw that recently at Wal-Mart...not sure it was Contadina but it was definitely tomato paste and had wheat listed in the ingredients. Needless to say, I put it back and chose another brand.

captaincrab55 Collaborator
captaincrab55
Posted

I have dry eyes too and my Eye Doc prescribed RESTASIS(drops) twice a day...

sa1937 Community Regular
sa1937
Posted

I also use Restasis but only at bedtime. I also have over-the-counter eye drops that I use as needed although recently my eyes don't seem quite as dry. Maybe because the cold weather hasn't hit in force yet.

Elizabeth5220 Apprentice
Elizabeth5220
Posted
  • Author

Day 6 and I may be crazy (Ha! May??!) but I believe there is some definite improvement...

Booghead Contributor
Booghead
Posted

My eyes kill me. Always red ALWAYS. Gluten free for 3 weeks not really improving, I use some allergy drops and the last 5 or so days I can't use them because as soon as I put them in the right eye it burns so terribly that I stopped using them. And when I put them in the left eye it just drains into my nose... sigh, my mother had plugs put in shaped like golf tees, never helped her one bit. B)

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. klmgarland
      - klmgarland replied to klmgarland's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      2

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      Thank you so very much Scott. Just having someone understand my situation is so very helpful. If I have one more family member ask me how my little itchy skin thing is going and can't you just take a pill and it will go away and just a little bit of gluten can't hurt you!!!! I think I will scream!!
    2. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to klmgarland's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      2

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      It is difficult to do the detective work of tracking down hidden sources of cross-contamination. The scenarios you described—the kiss, the dish towel, the toaster, the grandbaby's fingers—are all classic ways those with dermatitis herpetiformis might get glutened, and it's a brutal learning curve that the medical world rarely prepares you for. It is difficult to ...
    3. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Jmartes71's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      1

      My only proof

      It's very frustrating to be dismissed by medical professionals, especially when you are the one living with the reality of your condition every day. Having to be your own advocate and "fight" for a doctor who will listen is an exhausting burden that no one should have to carry. While that 1998 brochure is a crucial piece of your personal history, it's infuriating...
    4. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Colleen H's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      1

      Methylprednisone treatment for inflammation?

      Methylprednisolone is sometimes prescribed for significant inflammation of the stomach and intestines, particularly for conditions like Crohn's disease, certain types of severe colitis, or autoimmune-related gastrointestinal inflammation. As a corticosteroid, it works by powerfully and quickly suppressing the immune system's inflammatory response. For many...
    5. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to ElenaM's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      1

      I think I am gluten intolerant

      Based on what you've described, it is absolutely possible you are dealing with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). Approximately 10x more people have non-celiac gluten sensitivity than have celiac disease, but there isn’t yet a test for NCGS. If your symptoms go away on a gluten-free diet it would likely signal NCGS. Your situation is a classic p...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,906
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Dakota4
    Newest Member
    Dakota4
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • klmgarland
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By klmgarland · Posted

      Thank you so very much Scott.  Just having someone understand my situation is so very helpful.  If I have one more family member ask me how my little itchy skin thing is going and can't you just take a pill and it will go away and just a little bit of gluten can't hurt you!!!! I think I will scream!!
    • Scott Adams
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      It is difficult to do the detective work of tracking down hidden sources of cross-contamination. The scenarios you described—the kiss, the dish towel, the toaster, the grandbaby's fingers—are all classic ways those with dermatitis herpetiformis might get glutened, and it's a brutal learning curve that the medical world rarely prepares you for. It is difficult to have to deal with such hyper-vigilance. The fact that you have made your entire home environment, from makeup to cleaners, gluten-free is a big achievement, but it's clear the external world and shared spaces remain a minefield. Considering Dapsone is a logical and often necessary step for many with DH to break the cycle of itching and allow the skin to heal while you continue your detective work; it is a powerful tool to give you back your quality of life and sleep. You are not failing; you are fighting an incredibly steep battle. For a more specific direction, connecting with a dedicated celiac support group (online or locally) can be invaluable, as members exchange the most current, real-world tips for avoiding cross-contamination that you simply won't find in a pamphlet. You have already done the hardest part by getting a correct diagnosis. Now, the community can help you navigate the rest. If you have DH you will likely also want to avoid iodine, which is common in seafoods and dairy products, as it can exacerbate symptoms in some people. This article may also be helpful as it offers various ways to relieve the itch:  
    • Scott Adams
      My only proof

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      It's very frustrating to be dismissed by medical professionals, especially when you are the one living with the reality of your condition every day. Having to be your own advocate and "fight" for a doctor who will listen is an exhausting burden that no one should have to carry. While that 1998 brochure is a crucial piece of your personal history, it's infuriating that the medical system often requires more contemporary, formal documentation to take a condition seriously. It's a common and deeply unfair situation for those who were diagnosed decades ago, before current record-keeping and testing were standard. You are not alone in this struggle.
    • Scott Adams
      Methylprednisone treatment for inflammation?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Methylprednisolone is sometimes prescribed for significant inflammation of the stomach and intestines, particularly for conditions like Crohn's disease, certain types of severe colitis, or autoimmune-related gastrointestinal inflammation. As a corticosteroid, it works by powerfully and quickly suppressing the immune system's inflammatory response. For many people, it can be very effective at reducing inflammation and providing rapid relief from symptoms like pain, diarrhea, and bleeding, often serving as a short-term "rescue" treatment to bring a severe flare under control. However, experiences can vary, and its effectiveness depends heavily on the specific cause of the inflammation. It's also important to be aware that while it can work well, it comes with potential side effects, especially with longer-term use, so it's typically used for the shortest duration possible under close medical supervision. It's always best to discuss the potential benefits and risks specific to your situation with your gastroenterologist.
    • Scott Adams
      I think I am gluten intolerant

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Based on what you've described, it is absolutely possible you are dealing with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS).  Approximately 10x more people have non-celiac gluten sensitivity than have celiac disease, but there isn’t yet a test for NCGS. If your symptoms go away on a gluten-free diet it would likely signal NCGS.   Your situation is a classic presentation: a negative celiac panel but a clear, recurring pattern of symptoms triggered by gluten. The symptoms you listed—particularly the extreme fatigue, bloating, neurological-psychiatric symptoms like depression and anxiety, and even the skin manifestations like facial flushing—are all well-documented in research on NCGS. It's important to know that you are not alone in experiencing this specific combination of physical and emotional reactions. The only way to know for sure is to commit to a strict, 100% gluten-free diet under the guidance of a doctor or dietitian for a period of several weeks to see if your symptoms significantly improve. It is also crucial to rule out other potential causes, so discussing these symptoms with a gastroenterologist is a very important next step.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.