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Dry eyes due to rheumatism
Many people think that rheumatism is purely a disease of the joints. But the eyes can also be affected by a rheumatic disease. Sjögren's syndrome in particular causes unpleasant eye discomfort.
What is rheumatism?
More than 100 different clinical pictures are classified as rheumatic diseases. However, they all have one thing in common: They are caused by autoimmune reactions of the body, i.e. defence reactions of the immune system against the body's own tissue. The best-known rheumatic disease is rheumatoid arthritis or chronic polyarthritis, in which the joints are chronically inflamed. This type is usually meant when generally speaking of rheumatism.
To date, a hereditary predisposition or smoking are considered to be causes of rheumatism, but the exact connections have not been clarified. At present, a complete cure is not possible. However, rheumatism can be well treated with medication, occupational therapy or physiotherapy, so that at least progression of the disease is slowed down.
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What are the symptoms of rheumatism?
Rheumatism has many different forms and manifests itself in different symptoms. The joints suffer most frequently from the chronic inflammatory disease, becoming increasingly destroyed as the disease progresses. Typical symptoms are morning stiffness or swelling of the joints.
Other forms of rheumatism affect the musculoskeletal system, e.g. bones, muscles, tendons or ligaments. Even organs such as the lungs, heart, kidneys or eyes can be damaged by the autoimmune reactions.
Can rheumatism also affect the eyes?
Many rheumatism patients suffer from dry eyes. They are usually diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome, which affects the tear and salivary glands and other glands of the mucous membranes. Sjögren's syndrome is also counted as an autoimmune disease. In this form, the immune system attacks the tear and salivary glands, among others, which often leads to inflammation. As the disease progresses, the glands gradually lose their function until they are finally completely destroyed.
Sjögren's syndrome can be primary and thus occur alone without any association with another disease, or secondary as part of another type of rheumatism, for example rheumatoid arthritis.
In general, with Sjögren's syndrome, the mucous membranes of the body become increasingly dry. Apart from the eyes, this also affects the nose, the windpipe, the bronchial tubes or the genitals. It is possible that female sex hormones may play a role in the development of the autoimmune disease, as women suffer from Sjögren's syndrome significantly more often than men. A chronic viral infection can also be a trigger.
How can I tell if rheumatism is affecting my eyes?
With Sjögren's syndrome or any other form of rheumatism, the typical symptoms of dry eyes are noticeable initially. Rheumatism-related eye complaints include:
- a constant burning and itching of the eyes
- red eyes
- a feeling of pressure on the eye
- eye pain when blinking
- a gritty eye sensation
Not only are the symptoms unpleasant for those affected, but they can also affect their vision. An autoimmune reaction either reduces tear production or interferes with the composition of the tear film. This causes the tear film to rupture too early, thus failing to provide sufficient protection for the eye.
With Sjögren's syndrome, the symptoms are only mild at first but increase as the disease progresses.
What can I do about eye symptoms due to rheumatism?
To date, rheumatism including Sjögren's syndrome is not considered curable. The aim of treatment is therefore to alleviate eye discomfort and slow down progression of the disease. Dry eyes in particular should be treated regularly.
As tear production continues to decrease and the glands lose their function, it is extremely important to give the eyes the necessary protection by using eye drops, eye gels or eye ointments. If the surface of the eye no longer receives moisture, this can quickly lead to an irritated conjunctiva or cornea, which is more susceptible to infection or inflammation.
Another option is to have the tear ducts closed surgically. Your doctor will decide whether this procedure is appropriate for you.