Thought I'd share this about Oxervate, as many of us stand to benefit (Nerve and ocular surface health is often degraded/complicated due to chronic inflammatory protiens released in our tears due to autoimmunity). Oxervate apparently has a mechanism of action that promotes helath in that regard.
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-drug-neurotrophic-keratitis-rare-eye-disease
"Oxervate is the first-ever FDA-approved application of a human nerve growth factor as drug or treatment, and the first-ever topical biologic medication approved in ophthalmology. Oxervate was approved in August 2018 as an orphan drug by the FDA after being granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation, Fast Track Status, and Priority Review. Oxervate is approved in multiple jurisdictions worldwide, including those in the European Union."
https://www.biospace.com/article/releases/dompe-announces-first-treatment-with-oxervate-eye-drops-cenegermin-bkbj-for-neurotrophic-keratitis-nk-/
My opthal brought it up, as She has a companion in the pharmaceutical R&D community that made her aware. So while we patiently wait for Lacripep, I may be the first of her patients to try Oxervate.
It's always good to hear of new medications being approved, but it would appear that you would need a diagnosis of Keratitis to get to try this one. Is your doctor (and insurance company) willing to let you try it off-label?
I don't know many Sjogrens patients that don't have Keratitis due to extensive dry eye symptoms.
Maybe it is more recognizable by calling it "Superficial Punctate Keratitis, or SPK." I have this atleatst to some degree every single appointment with my Opthalmogist.
Superficial punctate keratitis is an eye disorder caused by death of small groups of cells on the surface of the cornea (the clear layer in front of the iris and pupil). The eyes become red, watery, and sensitive to light, and vision may decrease somewhat.
Hard to tell by that description of symptoms, as simply having dry eyes can lead to those symptoms.
I'll ask my ophthamologist if I have it next appointment, though I doubt he'll give me the diagnosis.
He won't even diagnose me with blepharitis or MGD though I do have them, only with "dry eyes due to Sjogren's". ::)
Please update after you begin the drops, let us know if it helps you.