I had my first opthalmology visit today and they did all the pertinent test. My dry eye test came back 0 in one eye and 1 in the other. The ophthalmologist said he didn't need to see any bloodwork to know I have SS. I told him I was thrilled to hear he had heard of the disease and he said that he had trained in Europe and was well versed in SS. I was thrilled! After a disastrous dental visit, this made me feel like I was getting somehere.
He suggested plugging up my tear ducts to try to get some relief for the dry eye. He is going to put some sponges in for a few days for me to try. If I feel relief he will put in permanent plugs he said.
He took several different tests and many pictures of the eye. He said that in addition to the dry eye I have some macular degeneration in one eye. I was shocked- I knew my vision was worsening, but didn't realize how bad. He has referred me to a retina specialist which I will see in a couple of weeks.
Has anyone heard of having macular degeneration with SS? Or am I just "lucky" to have two things going at once? I am getting so frustrated. Everytime I go to the doctor, I have something else to contend with. :'(
Hi Rhonda :)
I'm glad you've found a good opthamologist. I'm afraid I don't know too much about eyes but I've certainly read that plugs can give people relief. Trying sponges first sounds good. I hope they work for you.
Did the opthamologist say anything about Plaquenil? A side effect of it can affect eyes although its very rare but if you already have degeneration going on it'd be well to check that Plaq doesn't increase the risk of making it worse.
It's good you had a thorough check up though and can now, hopefully, be treated and monitored.
Take care - Scottie :)
Great news Rhonda!
It sounds like your ophthalmologist is very thorough...and he also knows what sjogrens is...that is a HUGE plus in and of itself!
As far as the macular degeneration...I don't think that is related to the SS...if I am wrong...someone please correct me! I just think you received an extra gift in addition to what you are already dealing with....aren't you lucky?? Not! ;)
Just kidding with you!
The opthalmologist was very thorough and I was thrilled that he had not only heard of SS but was very familiar with it! He wasn't sure about the Plaquenil with the macular degeneration. I will wait to see what the Retina Specialist says. I to her on June the 4th.
I am getting tired of going to the doctors and getting more bad news on top of bad news. Evenutally, they will have tested every part of me and surely something works right! ;)
Seriously- all the reading I have done, I have not heard of macular degeneration and SS being linked. As you say, I think I just have an extra little "gift". Frankly, I've had all the "gifts" I care to have for awhile!
Thanks to all for your comments and support!
Rhonda, Having a diag is the first step. Glad the eye doc was able to help you. Have heard much about the eye plugs here. Let us know how it works for you. Roxanne
I will definitely keep you all posted on the eye plugs. I am hoping they help me to get some relief from the dry eye!
Rhonda,
I have plugs and use Restasis and they have helped a lot. Also use Genteal Gel at night and Thera Tears during the day. I've recently tried a prescription drop called FreshKote and I think it is helping my eyes. My Schirmers was 0 and 2.
Anna
Hi Rhonda,
Boy I am so jealous! Your ophthalmologist sounds like a keeper! Lucky you!!!
Please let us know what the retina specialist says, I'm curious to see what she says.
Take care -
Patze
Thanks to all. I will definitely keep you posted on the outcome of the eye plugs. I hope they help. I see the Retina Specialist on June 4th and will share those results - plaquenl vs macular degeneration.
take care all!
I tried the temporary plugs first and then had the permanent plugs - installed. lol It seems to have really helped a lot. I am also on Plaquenil, but my doc says their is very little chance that it will do any damage to the eyes. It was the old malarial drugs that did the damage and they just keep check every six months to be on the safe side. Good luck.