Sjogren’s, Autoimmune and Dry Eye Disease
Sometimes dry eyes are just dry eyes. Other times, they are a red flag for other, more severe diseases. There is a proven link between dry eye disease (DED) and autoimmune disease (AD).
Therefore, knowing a person’s overall health complications that lead to DED can lead to a better diagnosis of DED and treatment.
Which are the autoimmune diseases?
The Autoimmune diseases that give rise to dry eyes include, but not limited to Sjogren’s, RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Raynaud’s, Graves’ Disease, Graft vs Host Disease, Chemotherapy-induced dry eyes, and more.
Check for Dry Eyes in Patients Who Don’t Complain of Dry Eyes
What? Why would anyone check for a disease if the patient does not complain of symptoms? Because asymptomatic patients who are diagnosed with lupus, thyroid dysfunction, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), or other autoimmune diseases often have had DED for a long time. They don’t realize that their symptoms are actually from DED. This is because they believe the discomfort and blurry vision is a normal occurrence.
Risk Factors
However, if there is a significant risk factor associated with the patient. Therefore, taking a few minutes to examine the anterior segment provides a lot of information. Besides there is no additional cost to the patient. Tear film quality and quantity, meibomian gland dysfunction, and ocular surface staining may lead to a follow-up visit for a complete dry eye workup.
Screening
Finally, screening patients early for DED actually help patients who don’t have symptoms to save their vision.
Early detection for DED can keep a patient from permanent vision loss.
Performing a Thorough Case History, Physical Exam, and Ocular Exam
Twenty percent (20%) of the population are impacted by an autoimmune disease (AD). This means dry eye symptoms (DES) are on the rise. Of those who suffer from AD, women make up 75% of the population. With the rising number, doctors must engage patients with an existing diagnosis, and clues into an untreated DES condition. A thorough case history, physical examination, and ocular examination are vital in catching any DES that may have been overlooked.
- Case History – The most critical component of a patient exam, the case history allows for an organized and complete check of the “systems”. However, it does not provide all of the answers. This means a doctor needs to make a complete and confident determination of DES.
- Physical Examination – Eye doctors are trained professionals who focus most of their attention on ocular diseases. However, we can learn a loot by a total evaluation of a patient. Hands, posture, and even gait can reveal areas of concern that may have been overlooked by the patient.
- Ocular Examination – There is a large group of patients who suffer from autoimmune diseases. These patients often develop DED. Sjögren’s syndrome is a perfect example. However, other autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma are not always recognized.
How to help those with autoimmune disease
Living with, diagnosing, and treating an autoimmune disease is difficult. Seeing patients as a whole person, rather than just focusing on the ocular conditions, is vital in providing the best diagnosis and treatment options.
Autoimmune disease is difficult to diagnose and to treat. It is also difficult for patients to live with day to day. Therefore, careful consideration of the patient as a whole rather than exclusively from an ocular perspective is critical to both making the diagnosis and providing the best treatment options.
Why TheraLife makes a difference
TheraLife inc. located in northern California developed an all natural oral formula specifically to treat autoimmune dry eye diseases, especially Sjogren’s. This formula helps reduce inflammation, flares and restore normal balanced tears for sustainable dry eye relief. TheraLife Eye capsules succeed where eye drops fail.
Best Sjogren’s relief from TheraLife
To learn more, click here
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For more information, call 1-877-917-1989 US/Canada. International (650) 949-6080
Customer Story
Sjogren’s Dry Eyes – Relief by TheraLife Autoimmune
When I first found out that I had Sjogrens’ and severe dry eyes six (6) years ago. My eye doctor put me on Restasis for the first year plus systane drops. I used eye drops all day long with no relief.
Through out the six years, my eyes were getting worse and I felt miserable at the end of each day. My eyes were so red and uncomfortable – I just wanted to pull my eyes out. I was not a happy person, very depressed, no social life, all I wanted to do is close my eyes. I would pray for a miracle every day, I went on line and searched for alternative medicine.
I can say my prayers have been answered. I have been on TheraLife Autoimmune for three (3) months and I have my life back again. My family and co-workers also noticed the major difference in my eyes they are very happy for me. TheraLife Autoimmune is worth every penny, TheaLife is the best thing that ever happened to me, its the answer to my prayers.
E A, Hollister, CA
References
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