Dry eye

[Asarahjohnson]

Coeliac disease but initially diagnosed with lupus. Lupus much more controlled now with diet.

Many problem dry eye- initially cured with omega 3 supplements but not working for 2 years now. Drops ineffective.

Also have dry skin, previous infertility and miscarriages. Could it be vitamin a deficiency? Anyone tried vitamin a for this?

Thanks

[Spotty-ewe]

So sorry to hear of your miscarriages and infertility. I do know how that feels. I lost 2 babies at 20 weeks and 22 weeks almost 40 years ago long before being diagnosed with Lupus although it seems clear now that I had it at the time. They had no idea why I lost them at that stage and all tests showed everything to be normal. However after the second miscarriage I had a general pelvic infection which did damage and I never conceived again.

But to answer your question about vitamin A, I don’t know. I take a daily dose of selenium with Vits ACE added to it. I also take Evening Primrose oil and Omega 3, 6 & 9 which help my skin and dry eyes. Externally I use Aqueous Cream which is very good and very cheap to buy although I get mine on prescription. Hope this is of some sort of help to you.

Best wishes 🤗 Spotty 💕

[Bebe76]

Have you been tested for Sjogren's? I was also initially diagnosed with Coeliac then SLE and Sjorens's. I had dry eyes and dry mouth for many years before my other symptoms of lupus started to appear.

[Lizziequink]

I think that Bebe76 is spot on. Sjogren's can be there long before other symptoms appear. I really hope you get the answers you obviously need. Take care x

[Chanpreet_Walia LUPUS UK]

Hi Asarahjohnson,

Have you discussed this with your doctor and/or optometrist?

Dry eyes in people with lupus is fairly common, we published a blog article on lupus and dry eyes and mouth which you may find helpful - lupusuk.org.uk/dry-eyes-and...

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.

I am sorry to hear about your infertility and miscarriages. In terms of trying vitamins, it would be best to speak with your doctor about this, as no one on this forum is medically trained.

The Lupus Encyclopedia provides helpful tips and information on how to treat dry/itchy skin which is listed below:

•Take shorter baths and showers

•Do not use soap on most body surfaces, except underarms and private areas

•After bathing or showering, pat the skin dry; do not rub (rubbing removes moisturising oils)

•Avoid using fabric softeners. They irritate dry skin.

To read our booklet on lupus and the skin, visit lupusuk.org.uk/wp-content/u...

Please let us know how you get on, best wishes!

[Asarahjohnson in reply to Chanpreet_Walia]

Thank you.

I use thealoz duo already but find it fairly ineffective.

I have had significant benefits in managing my lupus from altering diet and use of supplements to the point where I have been able to stop hydroxychloroquine and am now medication free. For me the drugs really didn’t work. My rheumatologist suggested I have a holiday from medication as I am so well.

I have had multiple negative schirmers tests before.

I successfully used omega 3 supplementation which led to me being discharged from the dry eyes clinic 3 years ago.

The problem has however recurred in my left eye only. I don’t have dry anywhere else.

I have been unable to get re referred to the ophthalmologists about this.

Having had undiagnosed celiac for years, I have been deficient in iron and once diagnosed and in the correct diet, this is now corrected. It is possible to be deficient in fat soluble vitamins ADEK, with long standing undiagnosed coeliac. Vitamin A deficiency can be manifest with dry eyes, miscarriage, infertility, night blindness. I am aware of the possible dangers of vitamin A hypervitaminosis.

I am interested to know if anyone has tried vitamin a supplements for dry eye and if they have helped.