Dry sunken eyes

[peterg532]

Dear Doctor,

I am in my mid-forties and am having ongoing problems with my eyes which started 9 months ago after a risky sexual encounter. All my STD and HIV tests are negative (even 8 months post-exposure) however.

I suddenly started to be photophobic and sensitive to bright light. When exposed to bright light, I start having headaches and become dizzy. I see everything around me like it was in a movie and not real. I talk to people and they look distant to me, not realistic. I feel much better when I stay home or when there is a cloudy/rainy weather outside simply because there is a low light. It is especially problematic when I look in the distance. The feeling is similar to the one which I have when I am in the height looking down – light headed feeling. I’ve never had this before. It is also very problematic when I am in the supermarket where there are stronger lights.

The visual appearance of my eyes also changed. They are narrower than before with little veins inside them. The whole area around my eyes is caving in probably because of the fat loss around them. I also have a dry feeling in my eyes (mouth too) and they do not create enough tears. I noticed I am not able to cry any more. The tears just don’t go out. Very strange.

I went to the eye doctor who quickly examined me, but didn’t find anything just told me that my eyes are dry. I use eye drops from time to time, but this doesn’t answer my question why this is happening. Especially dizziness and headaches which impair my thinking and concentration make me worry. It is not getting better even after 8 months of struggling. I’ve read something about iritis and when I looked at the pictures, my eyes look similar. There is nothing like crazy inflammation, but more like slightly pink narrow sunken eyes (visually).

What is your opinion to this problem? What should I eventually do to get rid of it and have a normal life again?

Thank you for your advice. It is much appreciated.

Peter

[peterg532]

Thank you for your answer, Dr. Fazio. Can I have the last two questions?

If it is the Sjogren's Syndrome:
- can it be treated, so I get rid of it one day?
- can it cause also sunken eyes, dizziness and feeling of derealisation?

[Doreen Fazio, M.D.]

Your problems could be related to Sjogren's Syndrome, especially the dry eyes and dry mouth.  This is an autoimmune condition.  You should see an ophthalmologist and then be referred to a rheumatologist for evaluation and treatment.  In the meantime, be sure you are not under-hydrated.  Drink 8 full glasses of water each day.  Also take a multivitamin (you need Vitamin A for good tear production), and Omega 3 or fish oil, which is anti-inflammatory and helps with dry eyes.