Hello,
I have active rheumatoid arthritis for 8 years and I get a problem with dry eyes which feels like having sand in my eyes which has been particularly bad the past few days.
Does anyone know if this is a side effect of the rheumatoid arthritis and if so what can be done about it.
I take the following pills: sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide, prednisolone.
Could this be a side effect of any of these drugs?
Thankyou.
I get this with mouth too and Consultant said speak to GP and get various eye drops try them all, was his theory to find best for you and a spray for mouth, all this helps and he said I had sicca which is a mix of RD and SJorens if I understood him right. He said not the meds for long term dryness he was very strong about that to me.
Thank You Deeb2908
My optician told me dry eyes is a common problem with inflammatory arthritis. I use hycosan extra which you have to buy but if you see your gp they usually can prescribe drops. I also blamed the medication as I take methotrexate and sulfasalazine but was told no, unfortunately it's just another symptom of RA.
Thank you Pinkypie2018
Hi there. 🙂 I’ve had eye problems for a long time. I was born with a squint in my left eye & had 2 operations at the age of 3 & 5 to straighten my eye. Unfortunately, the brain takes no notice of what it can see very early so I’ve only got one ‘good’ eye - my right one. As ‘Sods Law’ would have it, my right eye has been through the wars. It used to be great as I only needed one contact lens but a corneal ulcer & the start of dry eyes meant I had to stop using lenses. For years, I’ve been told that my gritty, burning & painful eyes were due to taking Amitriptyline, although I’ve been on Sulphasalazine & Methotrexate etc. In 1977 I had a bad case of iritis which I was told would recur. It never did. With RD, there are so many of these ‘little extras’ that pop up & take us by surprise. I’d been using eye drops during the day & gel at night for years until a really bad case of dry eyes led me to an ophthalmologist who declared I must have an allergy to the preservatives in the drops & gel!!!!!
(I missed out the retinal tear I also had about 5 years ago (also right eye!)
On 15th, my eyes were so bad again, I waited to see an emergency GP. He really worried me. He was a locum who spent 45 minutes with me & trying to phone for an emergency appointment. In the end I felt guilty & said he should see some other patients & just call me. I got a call back eventually from the Eye Dept & went the following day. Outcome - could be a milder case of iritis connected with RD & I have 4 weeks supply of single vial, preservative free, steroid eye drops. My eyes are still dry, burning & gritty but I’m now photosensitive too & have had to buy some very ‘Jackie Onassis’ dark sunglasses. 😂
I do also have a very dry mouth & use a coconut toothpaste between the Duraphat toothpaste that I also get on prescription & Xerostom mouthwash (which I have to dilute). I’ve come off Methotrexate injections again due to continuous throat infections since November & stopped Amitriptyline too (from 100mg to 50mg in October, then 25mg & stopped altogether after my eyes flared up. The dryness is still there & like you I think I have Sjögren’s.
My so called ‘Care Plan’ has gone out of the window as I have IM Depo-Medrone injections every 3 months that have been spun out to 4 months as they have trouble fitting me in! (At least I got it brought forward from April to February after having my last one in October).
I’m now feeling pretty rough after a long day at a funeral yesterday & another one on Monday. At least I had a good cry.
Check with your doctor about eye drops without preservatives. They’re called Thealoz Duo in a 10ml pot but once opened last 3 months (so no slinging away a pot after 28 days). Good luck. Sorry about the epic post - yet again. Nic xx
Thank you very much Templeofdom
I have been told this is a symptom of RA which is why I can't wear contact lenses....I just put up with it as pain from everywhere else trumps that....best wishes
I have dry eyes and my ducts have been plugged to help stop the tears I do have from draining away. It has helped.
I use Hycosan Extra drops for immediate relief.
I had a different problem with my right eye a couple of years ago, blocked tear ducts. The cure / fix was a heat treatment, to stimulate the natural oil production within the glads of the lower eyelids. It took weeks to resolve the block duct but I find this helps with dry eyes.
Speak to an optician or GP.
Its also just really relaxing.
You can buy (£10-25) a microwaveable mask (check instructions, mine takes 25 secondsto heat), they look like a night mask. They contain small beads which retain heat for about 15min.
After wearing for 10min, gently message your lower eyelids.
This is not a quick fix but twice a day for a week & I notice a difference.
I have similar prob. hycosan fresh eye drops . There is no preservative and there is a natural anti inflammatory in it. Also Xailin night and gel.
I have a similar problem and have been given carmellose eye drop solution. They di help ease the burn/itch/pain.
Good luck!
They’re the ones that caused more problems over time for me, due to the preservatives in them. xx
Dry eyes is often a part of RD, your GP should be able to give you eye drops. Just remember to ask for drops ...without... preservatives. Preservatives are only for short term usage. The GPs sometimes forget.
I am using carbomer, single dose units at the moment which I find really good.
Irritated dry eyes was my was my first symptoms of RA .Drops Were my first help that didn’t help.The following stronger meds that actually made you hooked .I stopped then and there and went back to Octavia and nightly lubricant and. Protecting my eyes from wind, bright light and iPad now I have no problems and no RA meds.
Hi yes this is a common side effect,I get this plus very dry mouth as well,doctor gave me drops for daytime and gel for nighttime and they really help xx
I use hypomelose eye drops on prescription but you can buy quite cheaply from Chemist. I used to use a cream but this caused many eye infections as attracted dust etc. Try and keep moisture in your rooms at home with water on top of Rads or other ways to control a dry atmosphere. I only need to use my drops once a day but if you need to use more often preservative free is a good idea.
If my eyes get very sore and gritty I wash them out with a drop of baby shampoo in using an eye bath.
Hello there, yes dry eyes can be to do with RA , I have it and it’s uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing as my eyes water all the time. My Gp gave me some eye cream which seems to help so mention it to yr Dr and see if they can give to you
Hope you feel better.
Dry eyes 
Dry eyes
Please help - very sore dry mouth and eyes 
Dry Eyes and Contact Lens Question
Itchy tear ducts- not dry eye
