Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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lindamassey 04/05/2015

It is Spring and my allergies know it! I have chronic dry eyes and have been diagnosed with Sjogren's on top of RA. This allergy season has been terrible. I think I now have allergic conjunctivitis in both eyes and will be seeing my family doctor this week.

My question is this - are any of you bothered with these eye problems? And, if so, is it due to the RA or to the immunosuppressant drugs? I have been on Claritin and using cold compresses for the itchy red eyes. Would appreciate any advice and comments on eye issues with RA.

itsertime 04/05/2015

Yes the dreaded itchy red eyes I am so overdue for an eye exam nothing seems to help alas.

bcatz 04/05/2015

For the dry part, I take restasis drops twice a day and I have lotemax which has a little steroid in it. I use it about 4-5 times a week maybe.

For allergies, when eyes are burning, I use bepreve. It's prescription and I think it's much more effective than pataday or optivar. Optivar is still pretty good though.

lindamassey 04/05/2015

Thanks for the info on the prescription meds. I will definitely talk with my doctor about bepreve or Optivar. I have tried restasis and found it to be very irritating, so I went back to my lubricating drops.

altoclef 04/06/2015

Allergies hit my eyes badly. The best thing I have found, and it works better than several prescription meds I've tried, is anything with ketotifen in it. The brand names are Alaway or Zaditor, but I usually buy the house brand at the grocery or pharmacy for 35% of the price. I tend not to rave about things, but this stuff is GREAT!

lindamassey 04/06/2015

Yes - I was so miserable last night (Easter Sunday) that I found myself at Walgreen's looking for an eye drop to help. I actually bought Zaditor and it worked wonders!!! The first relief I have had in over a week.

Thanks for the post.

bcatz 04/06/2015

Zaditor is the best otc I think. I like the Bepreve best of all but Zaditor definitely helps!

2scicrazed 04/07/2015

I also have chronic itchy eyes. Allergy tests said that I was allergic to my pets. Not getting rid of them so I take benadryl morning and night. Solves the problem.

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