vision issues

[SarahLindsay]

Hello all -

I just recently went to the eye doctor for the first time - I've been lucky enough not to have had any vision issues at all up until now. The Dr. confirmed the Schirmer's test & lack of tear film were indicative of Sjogren's, and that would explain the dryness, light sensitivity, and possibly my occasional blurry vision. But she said there's no connection at all between SJS and my sudden, almost constant, floaters and little hazy patches (especially when looking at a computer screen or other bright surface). She said it's just part of getting older (I'm 27), and to get used to it. But...this all started so suddenly, at the exact same time as all of my other SJS symptoms, it's hard for me to believe it's a total coincidence. Anyone else with similar experiences, or any more info?

Thanks!
Sarah

[Patze]

Hi Sarah,

Wow, part of aging?  That's interesting.  

I have a question for you, did you see an opthamalogist or an optometrist?  If you saw an optometrist, see an opthamalogist as soon, if you saw an opthamalogist, can you see another one (get a second opinion or referred to a specialist maybe)?  Now I'm not in the medical field or anything like that, but a sudden change of vision would be something to keep digging about for an answer I would think.

Hang in there and take care, and keep us updated, okay?

Patze

[DragonflyC]

I'm 34, and had posterior vitreous detachment this past summer (sounds scarier than it is) that led to a dark spot in my vision and some floaters.  My eye doc also said "not Sjogren's," but I looked into it and the vitreous are connective tissue.  SJS is a connective tissue disease, and many of us have additional connective tissue issues.  My rheum said "maybe Sjogren's related," and also suggested that our dry eye issues may cause our eyes to age faster than most people.  That's why someone like you, in your early 20s, or me, in my 30s, might experience problems that usually affect others later in life. 

[ErinG]

Hi Sarah,

I've had floaters since at least high school, if not earlier (I'm 29 now).  I remember being in biology class looking in the microscope, and what I saw always moved (when no one else saw anything).  I've noticed lately that they are much more noticeable and there are more of them than there used to be.  I didn't start experiencing the dryness and blurred vision until about 10 years ago.  I have also been told that I may get more floaters as I get older, and unless they are particularly bothersome they will be left alone. 

-Erin

[Katybarstool]

My eyes have been dry for at least the last ten years. I'm 52. However, I've had floaters since I was 18 and exploded my pressure cooker Well, I didn't know there was a right way and wrong way to replace the safety valve

Kathyx

[Patze]

Ouch KathyX, and I'm glad to see that you're okay!  Whew, that must have been scary!


Patze

[Epson]

Oh yeah, well I had floaters when I was in the womb, top that one!  Actually I think I have had them my entire life and have always considered it to be normal.  Don't forget, the doctors answer to anything they can't explain is, well you know your getting older, no $h#t, you just not paid $150.00 to tell me that!  Thank you Captain Obvious, only a medically trained mind could have figured that out.

[Patze]

You make a good point, got to love the "you know you're getting older" routine.  Amazing, isn't it?


Patze

[Dolly Dimples]

    Well this may comfort you Sarah, I was getting  a lot of floaters some years back,

                                                               some were so big I was clutching in the air trying to catch them!!

                                    I am old now and haven't had any  at all for ages!!  But I sure do still have the dry eyes!
                                                                So don't worry my friend!
                                                                                                              Dolly
                                       
     

[SarahLindsay]

Thanks so much, everyone! I did see an ophthalmologist, but I'm not convinced it was the best - she seemed knowledgeable about Sjogren's, but was very quick to dismiss my questions and concerns, it felt a bit rushed. And she kept leaving things up to me, saying she didn't think I needed any kind of glasses or prescription eyedrops, but she could give them to me if I thought it would make a difference, if it would be worth the cost and side effects. How do I know? And yes, I can accept that I'm getting older and some things are changing, but it seemed odd to me too that she wouldn't be concerned about such sudden changes in my vision.
Anyway, thanks so much for all your advice! I will try to get a second opinion, and in the meantime it's comforting to know that I may actually be able to get used to them eventually, or that they may even go away on their own...

[Joy Cox]

If you want drops for eyes, inquire if doctor has any free samples you can try. Found if you ask, they usually do have them though asking helps process along.   Joy

[Stinker]

DragonflyC

You said you had some kind of detachment that involved the connective tissue, was it a dislocated lens?  I had that and had to have surgery to correct it. 

The doctor said it was due to connective tissue disease and I was eventually diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome along with RA, FMS, SJS and other connective tissue diseases.

Just wondered if you might have had some of the same problems. 

I had a dark spot in the center of my vision.  I now have what they call ghost vision.  I see like a shadow around things especially like looking at oncoming headlights.

I too have heard the old well you are getting older you know sermon.  I am 53 and this has been going on since I was 49.

Stinker

[DragonflyC]

Stinker, mine wasn't anything that serious.  Something like 80% of people experience posterior vitreous detachment, but it's usually older people.  The connective tissue on the back of the eye can detach and then it floats around.  It never reattaches, but the brain eventually adjusts and tunes the obstruction out.  Every once in a while I notice it now, but most of the time I don't.  It was like having a really big floater, except that it was stationary in one part of my eye.  There was a gray area in the middle of anything I looked at with both eyes.  If I covered one eye, it was just the far right segment of my vision that was gray. 

[JannaLee]

Sarah,

I agree that sudden changes in your vision should be thoroughly investigated.  A second opinion is a real good idea. 

Janna

[Navigator]

I may be new at this but if you have SJSs you better look into a different opthamologist.  If/when you are put on Plaquenil you need your eye doc to check you out every 6 months...forever...My opthamologist also poo pooed things like plugs or drugs for now and I am fine with that...I have had good luck with Thera Tears Gel at night and Genteal for Mod/severe during the day...and a humidifier in the bedroom., and drink loads of water...and wear sunglasses.

Good luck