OA and dry eyes

Redhead59

I was diagnosed with OA in both hands about 5 years ago (by 'diagnosed' I mean my GP briefly looked at my red, painful, knobbly finger joints, declared 'typical' symptoms of OA, and sent me off with a prescription for Ibuprofen! ) but for even a few years before this I've suffered with increasing irritation in both eyes. Constant watering, redness and the gradual loss of almost all of my lashes! I also have visible scarring on the whites of both eyes. My GP has treated this as conjunctivitis on numerous occasions but, on a recent visit to the optician for reading glasses, it was suggested that I might be suffering from 'dry eye syndrome' which might be linked in some way to arthritis? I'm a wee bit in the dark with this one, has anyone suffered similarly, and what is the link if there is one?

lindalegs

Hi Redhead,

This is a common symptom of arthritis and can be relieved by using eye drops regularly. I think they're only available on prescription. I don't suffer with it .....yet :roll: but my Mum did and I've heard of others who do.

dreamdaisy

It's been mentioned before, there is a recent thread about Sjorgen's Syndrome, which has similar effects and does affect those with arthritis, try doing a search on that on LWA, and see if anything comes up. I haven't been troubled by such a thing yet, I guess it's just a matter of time. I wish you well and I hope things improve. DD

jilly

Hi i have dry eyes and mouth , i have had this for about 2 years .My doctor is testing me for Sjorgens Sydrome , I have cream to put in my eyes which helps . My mouth is worse than my eyes it keeps me awake or wakes me up because i cant swallow sometimes. Hope you can sort this out , i would ask to see a specialist it may be that you have something else going on. hope you can sort it ..............jilly

breane

Hi,Ive had sore itchy eyes for some time and my GP said it's down to the OA and RA and he prescribed eye drops called Hypromellose which has helped a lot.It can also be purchased over the counter so not just a perscription product. Breane.

Redhead59

Thanks everyone for your replies and advice, I'm currently using various types of artificial tears which do help. I'm just a bit concerned that I only found out about the possible connection between dry eyes and arthritis from my optician - my GP's never once mentioned it! :roll:

dreamdaisy

GPs cannot remember everything, which I realise for some could be a failing, but then if they warned us about everything that might ensue following a diagnosis that would not be good for us either! They have to tread a fine line, sometimes, which cannot be easy. Luckily for me, my GP is generally dis-interested in my treatment, cheerfully admittting that she knows little about the meds I am on (that makes two of us then). I hope you can find something to suit your eyes, and that they start feeling better soon. I wish you well. DD

tillytop

Hello!

The dry eyes and mouth typical of Sjogrens syndrome tend to be associated with RA and, like RA, it is an autoimmune disease. I am not aware of a link between OA and dry eyes but it really does sound as if you need to get your eyes checked by a specialist. Can you ask your GP for a referral? Or perhaps the optician can write to your GP to ask him to refer you?

Love Tilly xxx

barbara12

Hi
I think you should go back to your GPs, and tell them you are not happy, looking at your swollen hand and saying you have OA is wrong, they should have least sent you for xrays or to see a consultant.
Good Luck and let us know how you get on.
Barbara x

Redhead59

My GP has never distinguished my condition as either OA or RA, I've never been x-rayed or 'tested' in any way, it's just really been a general assumption on my part (and his too I presume) that I'm suffering from OA. I've never been asked about any other symptoms other than the obvious ones, ie, visible redness, swelling and joint pain. I was diagnosed with Raynaud's shortly after the symptoms of arthritis appeared and told to wear warm gloves in cold weather but never offered any treatment? My GP never suggested any link between the two conditions. Maybe I just haven't complained enough? :roll: