With Optometrist Dr. Jeff Sakai…… I often get this question from patients with autoimmune conditions like Sjogren’s Syndrome, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. In order to understand the answer, you first need to know a little about tears. There is a tear film that constantly coats and bathes the eyeball’s exposed structures. It acts to wash […]
Keep An “Eye” Out For Plaquenil Side Effects
With Optometrist, Dr. Jeff Sakai…… Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is a commonly prescribed medication for rheumatological diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren’s syndrome. It is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) which reduces joint pain, inflammation, and skin rashes. Although Plaquenil is usually well tolerated by patients, one of its possible side effects is vision loss due […]
Keep An “Eye” Out For Corticosteroid Side Effect
With Optometrist Dr. Jeff Sakai……… Prednisone is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for autoimmune conditions like lupus and Sjögren’s It is in the corticosteroid family of medications, which are used to decrease inflammation. In a recent blog post, Melaca discussed how prednisone was very effective in treating her bronchitis and liver inflammation, […]
Recognize The Symptoms Of Dry Eyes
With Optometrist, Dr. Jeff Sakai……. Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common conditions seen in primary eye care. It is even more prevalent in patients with autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s and Lupus. The following are common dry eye symptoms: Discomfort, burning, or pain. Mucus discharge. Sensitivity to light. Tired eyes- especially with prolonged visual […]
Hair Loss
With Dr. Miki Garcia…. As a Dermatologist, I see hair loss for many different reasons. Hair is a part of our identity and when we start thinning or losing hair, we can’t help but be concerned. There are many possible reasons to have hair loss and it can be distinguished by the pattern of hair […]
