Sjogren’s Syndrome – Introduce yourself and meet others

Serum eye drops are using your own blood serum, which is similar to tears to support tears. You have to find a place that will do them (some Lion's Club eye centers) and have a prescription from your doctor. They take your blood, spin out the serum and give you small vials for your eyes. You have to keep them all frozen but one that you use for a limited period and then throw away. It seems like a complex system, but they really do help. Unfortunately the FDA hasn't gotten around to approving them, but most eye doctors support their use. If you have severe dry eyes, they help a lot. There is a company called Vital Tears that does them, although they are also researching also, so just be aware of that and ask to "opt out" if you don't want to be in the research. This company sees the commercial possibilities because serum eye drops are very popular. They don't produce tears, but are similar to what you tears should be (if your eyes don't make them) if you have SS or other issues.

Thank you very, very much for this most important information about serum eye drops. As I am slowly going blind (now legally blind) and also having severe dry eyes it is so very much welcome. Thank you, thank you. Peach

As wrong as I may be I find it very difficult finding a doctor who will address the issue of Sjogrens. Would anyone know of the specialty doctor who will diagnose and work with this? Pretty bad here where I am. Peach

Peach, it should be a rhemetologist. This is an autoimmune disease that can attack your entire system. Rhemetologists are specially trained to identify and treat autoimmune disease.

@peach414144 The severe dry eyes you have does sound very painful. What type of doctors have you seen? Did you see a ophthalmologist? They are eye specialists.

Peach, it should be a rhemetologist. This is an autoimmune disease that can attack your entire system. Rhemetologists are specially trained to identify and treat autoimmune disease.

Of course you are correct. The three rhematologists here in my area seem to be from another demension. They seem to be somewhat overwhelmed by the sheer amount of patients and do not apear to want to address the whole of the patient. High percentage of oldsters in my area. I saw a new geriaenologist ;ast week for the first time and when he was finished he said O.K. I will see you in five months from now. (This to a patient with many issues). I am seeing a new doctor now. Frustrating but not to many years left now. (82)

@peach414144 This all sounds so sad. Do you have family who can advocate for you?

Yes, thank you I have seen many opthamalogists. Most do not know. I have not finished the sentence so as not to undermine their practise. (Not to include all of them. Most seem to want to focus in the immediate. and not the whole picture To me not all but most. Wish I cold know if there are scientists working on this most serious and necessary part of living a more content way of life. Very sad for all including the families.