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A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Decatur, IL

My eyes water horribly all day, everyday. My eye doctor told me that it was due to having severely dry eyes. I don't understand. Anyway, he is having me use both systane. My vision also gets extremely blurry at times then goes away. Is this normal with RA?

January 8, 2021 (edited)
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Answer Summary

Members strongly validated the frustrating experience of watery eyes caused by severe dryness, explaining that RA triggers inflammation in the... Read more

Members strongly validated the frustrating experience of watery eyes caused by severe dryness, explaining that RA triggers inflammation in the eyes, which leads to dryness that paradoxically makes them water constantly, and the salt in tears can further dry them out and cause temporary blurriness. Several members emphasized the importance of regular eye exams with both rheumatologists and ophthalmologists, using prescribed lubricating drops like Systane daily rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen, and ensuring that eye care specialists understand the connection between RA and eye health. A recurring theme was the value of proactive monitoring, especially for those on Plaquenil, and exploring holistic approaches like digestive enzymes and iodine supplements that some members credited with reducing systemic inflammation and improving their overall symptoms.

A myRAteam Member

There are some visual difficulties that are associated with having ra. I see an opthamologist twice a year to stay on top of it. As long as you check in with your Physicians on a recommended schedule and follow their directives hopefully they'll catch any difficulties in time in order for them to be treated. Good luck

January 8, 2021
A myRAteam Member

Ask your rheumatalogist about your eyes mine has a form I take to my eye doctor. I have my eyes checked twice a year. I'll keep you in my prayers. Love and hugs

January 8, 2021
A myRAteam Member

If you eye doctor told you it’s dry eyes, that’s what it is. They would know if it’s cataracts so don’t be worried by the other comment. Your doctor may not of explained why this happens and that might be why you don’t understand. RA causes inflammation in your eyes which drys them out. When your eyes are dry, they water, which dries them out more because of the salt in our tears. This extreme dryness and watering causes blurry vision for short periods of time. Systane has ingredients that hydrates the eye, and other eye drops like visine are more similar to our tears so they dry it out more. That’s why your doctor specifically said systane even though it’s more expensive. I had this exact problem of blurriness and watering, but I also had extreme pain in my eyes. So after a full exam my eye doctor concluded my eyes were just dry and now I use eye drops everyday to prevent that from happening instead of using them only when it’s starting to happen.

January 8, 2021
A myRAteam Member

Yes, thought I was going blind and saw an opthomologist and was tested for eye disease! But, guess what? Eye care specialists don’t have a clue problems with eyes are related to ra! They check for diseases they are trained to check for and that is it!

I see a holistic doctor - meaning they look at your whole body - compile all problems - and look for the common denominator BECAUSE they are trained holistically. And yes, they are real doctors and went thru Med school just like doctors who practice western medicine.

For RA, I have recovered using a digestive enzyme prescribed by my holistic doctor that immediately started healing my body.

I am also a believer that Jesus heals and He told me to use ‘iodine’. Email me for specifics at (Email address can only be seen by the question and answer creators) It is late and got to get my 30 minute exercise in tonight so I can restore the muscle loss from being so sick for so long not knowing what was wrong. Blessings, Chris

January 14, 2021
A myRAteam Member

yes, vision problems are terrible with ra along with dry mouth (I was losing healthy teeth for no reason) extreme fatigue (I was falling asleep at my desk and driving home then insomnia at night...ugh! I'm healed praise the Lord! My holistic doctor prescribed a digestive enzyme and I also take an iodine supplement from whole foods called Kelp. Let me know if I can help you. Blessings, Chris

January 8, 2021

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