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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Phalaborwa, ZA

Hi everyone, does anyone else struggle with swollen eyes? I struggle with it almost on a daily basis. I was diagnosed with Sjorgens and are using eye drops. I have tried antihistamines, anti allergies, all I can think off. I am on the full range of RA treatment, cortisone, Sulfasalazine, methotrexate, anti inflammatory, high paracetamol 4x day. I am not on plasmaquine or a biologics.
Any advise out there please?

June 26, 2025
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A myRAteam Member

I have eye problems. I use baby shampoo with warm water and massage the lids from the inner corner outwards twice daily and use a good moisturizing eye drop

June 26, 2025
myRAteam

Eye problems are very common with RA, affecting 30-40% of people with the condition. Since you've been diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome, which frequently occurs alongside RA, this explains your eye symptoms. While you're already using eye drops, there are several other treatment options to discuss with your healthcare Show Full Answer

Eye problems are very common with RA, affecting 30-40% of people with the condition. Since you've been diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome, which frequently occurs alongside RA, this explains your eye symptoms. While you're already using eye drops, there are several other treatment options to discuss with your healthcare team:

• Prescription-strength eye drops containing cyclosporine
• Eye ointments specifically for nighttime use
• Hydroxypropyl cellulose pellets that can reduce reliance on eye drops
• Punctal occlusion - a procedure that blocks tear ducts to keep eyes hydrated It's crucial to work with both a rheumatologist and an ophthalmologist for proper management of your eye symptoms. Regular monitoring is essential to prevent complications and eye damage. Any new symptoms like pain or redness should be evaluated promptly, as they could indicate an infection or corneal damage. Some myRAteam members have found relief using eye gels at night in addition to daytime drops.

June 26, 2025
A myRAteam Member

I noticed my eyes were puffy a lot recently as if my allergy meds can't keep up anymore with my allergies & my Rheumy said it is possible that is the case with RA & the immune system always fighting against this disease.

July 4, 2025
A myRAteam Member

I have had puffy eyes when I eat food sensitivity eats, or going through a flare. It one of the sign of things to come, like hands swollen. Good cold cloth over your eyes does help. And I've been trying very cold showers instead of hot. Seems to help inflammation. Dip in the springs as well , it's cold, good for the inflammation. And just went to the beach. The salt water helped a lot of skin blotching heal up, which is new for me. Thinking about ice baths😬. But when you want to feel better you'll start try anything. Go cold. ❤️

July 1, 2025
A myRAteam Member

Lanie, then you could have what I have which is Thyroid eye disease. TED. Maybe worth going to am opthalmologist to see. I have red eyes every morning and evening, they are puffy and swollen a lot every morning and evening. I have not done the laxmzer I can't afford it, but my opthalmologist offers it. You go once a week for 2 months with a break. All your opthalmologist about it. It apparently works well

July 1, 2025

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