Dry Eyes, Restasis, and maybe Autoimmune Disorders?

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I'm sure you've seen the commercial on TV, the one about Restasis. I get angry every time I see that commercial. They act as if taking Restasis eye drops is no big deal. Truth be told, actually having to take a prescription eye drop is a  big of deal. When I first got contacts as a teen, I was told I'd always have to put drops in my eyes when I wore contacts. I was told I don't blink enough. Whether that is true or not I don't know if it was the reason my eyes were dry; I really don't know...

In some cases dry eyes can be caused by something as simple as menopause, Blepharitis (inflammation of eye lid), or Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye syndrome) . However, some of the reasons why people have dry eyes can be serious such as having one of the many auto immune diseases (like I have) that can cause dry eyes  such as: Sjogren's Syndrome, Lupus, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, and Rheumatoid Arthritis to name a few. The Restasis commercial ends by saying, "talk to your doctor about Restasis". Perhaps the commercial should end with something like, "talk to your doctor about your symptoms of having dry eyes and ask him if it is possible it could be something more serious like an autoimmune disorder. Remember Restasis might be just what the doctor may order".

Below is a copied from the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundations' website, If you care to make a donation to help fight this disease, the link in the post will take you back to Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation website.

July 23rd is World Sjogren's Day!

On Monday, July 23rd, the Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation (SSF)will join with Sjögren's groups around the world to celebrateWorld Sjögren's Day.  We hope you will consider making a special gift to commemorate what would have been Dr. Henrik Sjögren's 112th birthday. Every gift will go to support research and education for the disease that Dr. Sjögren devoted his life to. Click Here to donate to research for World Sjogren's Day!