Sjögrens flare

[L154C0]

First time posting... I’ve recently been given a presumptive diagnosis of SS based on dry eyes, joint pain, fatigue and Anti-RO positive. I’m still waiting to see ophthalmologist (22 week waiting list). My GP gave me Hypermellose with preservatives. I tried them this morning and the severe pain I’ve had since is terrible. Worse than the dry eye soreness. Could the preservatives have damaged my eyes after 1 application?

[Poppypig]

VitaA pos work for me and preservative free, with an added bonus of lush eyelashes. Like Louise highly recommend bssa for sensible, friendly advice.

[weathervane]

Hi there, initially i was using eye drops with preservatives but had to stop as my eyes started sting and burn . I was changed to Hylo- forte which have helped, i also use a heated eye pad or a-warm facecloth and massage my eyes which also helps . Good luck, I hope the treatment starts to help .

[Lupiknits in reply to weathervane]

Thanks for bringing this up. I’ve recently had Sjögren’s added to my other autoimmune disorders. My eyes are objecting to the prescribed drops and I’m wondering now if it’s the preservatives. I have HyloForte bought off Amazon while the docs were making their minds up and that’s OK, for the moment.

[L154C0]

Thank you all for your replies. They tell you to steer clear of the internet, but without specialist help and being made to feel like the ‘problem one’ at the GPs, what does one do? The BSSA is my next google search. The heated eye-pad??? Is this specialist or something one could get from Amazon?

[Poppypig]

Ooh yes I didn't say night time only, it does blur vision somewhat 🦇

[Poppypig]

I'm loving the sound of heated eye pad too, do tell more

[weathervane]

I got heated pad in opticans however i find warm face cloth also works well .

[Chanpreet_Walia LUPUS UK]

Hi L154C0,

Welcome to the LUPUS UK HealthUnlocked community, I am sorry to hear that drops caused a reaction.

In the past, we have had a lupus patient recommend Thealoz Duo gel for relief of dry eyes. The gel is preservative-free. According to the gel's information leaflet, many people prefer using the gel at night before sleeping but it can be applied throughout the day.

It is definitely worth visiting the BSSA (British Sjögren’s Syndrome Association) website at for more information and advice bssa.uk.net/

We published a blog article on coping with dry eyes and mouth, the article contains some general tips for preventing dry eyes which you may find helpful -lupusuk.org.uk/dry-eyes-and...

Best wishes!