Burning Eyes

[Banker123]

My eyes have a burning /stinging feeling I went to my GP about 3 weeks ago she gave me some drops but theymade my eyes more painful 😒 does anyone know if it's anything to do with scleroderma I mentioned it to my rheumologist last week but they don't seem interested and just said go back to your GP .

[LucyJean]

Hello there. I am not aware there is anything specifically related to scleroderma that would make your eyes sore, but some people also have dry eyes and dry mouth related to sjogrens syndrome (what they call sicca symptoms). Dry eyes feel very gritty and sore and can make your eyes red. Usually these will be relieved by using artificial tears. There are loads that the GP can prescribe so if you didn't get on with one it doesn't mean that another won't work. Some people need preservative free eye drops if their eyes are very sensitive. The artificial tears go up in strength and consistency. The basic eye drops are really little more than adding water to your eyes (hypermellose tears for example) then you get a range of gel tears which stay around for longer. You can buy them over the counter at the pharmacy but the preservative free ones are more expensive and better to get from GP.

As there are many reasons, not related to scleroderma, why you might have sore eyes I would persist with the GP. You might benefit from a review with your local optician or from the Ophthalmology department at the hospital.

I hope they settle soon. All my best Lucy

[Banker123 in reply to LucyJean]

Thank you Lucy I will see my GP next week 😂

[Brunnhilde]

Hi. In addition to LucyJean's excellent advice, it is also worth keeping your eyelids scrupulously clean by wiping them regularly. You can get lid wipes from the pharmacy(again expensive), or use a tissue soaked in eyewash. At night you can use eye lubricating ointment which is a bit messy bu stops your eyes clamping together in the morning. Heat, like a hot flannel pressed over closed eyes can also give some relief. Good luck.

[eriskay1]

Hi i also suffer from dry/gritty eyes i was given Lacrilube opthalmic ointment which left me with blurry vision which means i can't use it during the day, i was given Clinitas carbomer gel, this was recommended by my optician at my yearly eye test, i get both of these on prescription from my G.P