Understanding Lupus and Eye Dryness

Living with lupus comes with many challenges, and one often-overlooked symptom is eye dryness. This uncomfortable condition can impact daily life, especially for those with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), where inflammation affects multiple parts of the body, including the eyes. In this post, we’ll explore the connection between lupus and dry eyes, common symptoms, and practical steps you can take to find relief.

Dry eyes are one of the more bothersome symptoms of Lupus that I didn’t know I had been dealing with when I was at my sickest. Dry eyes also are one of the lesser talked about symptoms of Lupus; which is why I wanted to write this post. Eye drops couldn’t touch the dryness I was dealing with once I realized that the sandy feeling in my eyes was indeed not normal to live with all day. So finding ways to manage chronically dry eyes that even eye drops could not help became my objective for a few weeks; after trial and error, I found a few different lifestyle changes dramatically improved and eventually eliminated my dry eyes.

Obviously, I had to write a blog post about it so today we’re going to go over why Lupus causes dry eyes, what’s helped me, and best practices for Lupus and dry eyes. It’s important to talk to your doctor before making any changes, in this post I’m simply sharing what has worked for me-not giving medical advice. And with that disclaimer out of the way, we can go ahead and jump into the post!

Why Does Lupus Cause Eye Dryness?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to inflammation. One of the conditions commonly linked to lupus is Sjögren’s syndrome, another autoimmune disorder that targets moisture-producing glands in the body. When these glands are damaged, they produce less fluid, causing dryness in the eyes, mouth, and other areas.

Additionally, lupus-related inflammation can directly affect tear production, exacerbating eye dryness. Certain medications used to manage lupus, like immunosuppressants or diuretics, may also contribute to reduced tear production.

Symptoms of Dry Eyes in Lupus:
If you have lupus and are experiencing eye dryness, you might notice:
• A gritty or sandy feeling in your eyes
• Redness and irritation
• Blurry vision, especially as the day progresses
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Itchiness or a burning sensation
• Excessive tearing (a reflex to combat dryness)

Over time, untreated eye dryness can lead to more severe complications, such as corneal damage or eye infections, so it’s important to address it early.

When I was at my sickest, I had other things to worry about, making the dryness in my eyes the least of my worries. After a while, I think I got used to my eyes constantly feeling sandy, dealing with blurry vision as the day progressed, etc. When I started on my journey to healing my body using a functional medicine approach (check out those posts by clicking here) I started to notice the “least of my worries” symptoms.

Practical Tips to Relieve Eye Dryness

• Use Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) are a first line of defense against dryness. Choose preservative-free options if you need to use them frequently. This may work for some but it didn’t for me.
• Invest in a Humidifier: Dry indoor air, particularly during winter or in air-conditioned spaces, can worsen eye dryness. A humidifier adds moisture to the air and helps keep your eyes comfortable.
• Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is crucial for overall health, including tear production. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body and eyes hydrated. Hydration is one of the biggest factors in my eye dryness levels, I learned this very quickly.
• Protect Your Eyes: Wear sunglasses outdoors to shield your eyes from wind, dust, and UV rays.
• Take Breaks from Screens: Long hours staring at digital screens can worsen dryness because we blink less often. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This simple habit can reduce strain and allow your eyes to rest.
• Warm Compresses: Applying a warm, damp cloth over closed eyes for 5-10 minutes can help open blocked oil glands in the eyelids (Meibomian glands), improving tear quality and reducing dryness.
• Omega-3 Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil can help reduce inflammation and improve tear production. Speak with your doctor to see if supplements might work for you.
• Consult Your Doctor: If dryness persists, your doctor may recommend prescription eye drops that promote tear production. Discuss potential medication side effects that could be contributing to the problem.

If your eye dryness leads to persistent pain, severe irritation, or blurred vision that doesn’t improve with basic care, it’s time to consult your healthcare provider or an eye specialist. Early treatment can prevent long-term complications and improve your quality of life.

Eye dryness is a common but manageable symptom of lupus. By incorporating daily habits like staying hydrated, reducing screen time, and protecting your eyes, you can find significant relief. Remember, you’re not alone—working with your healthcare team can help you navigate these challenges and keep your eyes healthy.

If you’ve experienced eye dryness with lupus, what has helped you manage it? Share your tips or experiences in the comments below!