If you are one of the many sufferers of Sjögren's syndrome you will know that one of the commonest and debilitating symptoms is severe dry eyes.
You will find that your eyes feel sore and tired, your eyelids may be swollen, and your vision blurred. Your symptoms are likely to be worst when the air is dry, which may be due to drying factors such as wind, air conditioning, or central heating.
You will also probably find that your eyes are very sensitive to the sun's glare and other bright lights.
A simple, proven self help method to relieve dry eye symptoms
Many Sjögren's sufferers have already discovered the benefits of wearing moisture chamber glasses and are being recommended to them by their eye consultants.
Moisture chamber glasses are a low cost, non invasive, drug free self help method of treating dry and sensitive eyes.
These special glasses have a soft gasket (called an eye cup) that is fitted behind the frames that closes off the gap between the frame and your eye sockets.
The gasket keeps tear moisture in and keeps wind and other drying factors out. As a result, your eyes become less sore.
Another benefit of the glasses is that the gasket keeps out peripheral glare, so when worn with dark lenses, they are far more effective for light sensitive eyes than normal wraparound sunglasses.
Eyewear Accessories - the UK's specialist centre for moisture chamber glasses
Eyewear Accessories has developed nearly 10 years of expertise in providing moisture chamber glasses, both to the UK and worldwide. We are the only company in the UK to specialise exclusively in dry eye glasses, and are the official distributors of the leading brands - 7eye and Ziena Eyewear.
The company is known for its personal, helpful service. If you call us for asssistance we will be pleased to help you choose the best type of glasses for your needs.
Many customers have reported back to us that our moisture chamber glasses have significantly improved their quality of life, enabling them to return to much loved pastimes like walking the dog, cycling, golf, or gardening, despite the windy weather.
We would like to share with you some feedback on the benefits of these glasses that we received recently from a customer in the UK who has Sjögren's syndrome.
She has requested that these comments are published in order to help other Sjögren's sufferers become aware of the special glasses.
"I would like to recommend your moisture chamber glasses to anyone with Sjögren's syndrome."
"They are not a cure, but are a significant help in many ways and a very effective adjunct to medical treatments which in my case has included puntal plugs, treatment for a corneal ulcer, a course of corticosteroids, ciclosporin eye drops, artificial tears during the day and a preservative free liquid gel at night.
Before using the moisture chamber glasses I had become very restricted in what I could do, but since using them my eyes are less painful and my quality of life has improved significantly.
Firstly and most importantly, I am no longer nocturnal! This summer I missed most of the beautiful weather because I was housebound, but now I can go out on bright breezy days. Being able to spend time in the garden or walk along the seafront has done much to improve my mood.
The fit of the Cape glasses is good and I can now cope with walking into the wind. So now, after months of walking with my head down and shielding my eyes, I need to re-learn walking with my head up facing the wind!
Because I need to use moisture chamber glasses all the time I have tested 3 different styles and each has its own merits, but have invested in 2 styles which fit the shape of my face more closely.
My Ziena glasses are relatively discreet and effective for indoor use and for social occasions, and can be fitted with my bifocal lenses.
The Cape sunglasses look good and the adjustable arms ensures a closer fit and makes them an excellent choice for outdoor use during the day.
Without your help and advice I would have remained housebound much of the time and we would have faced winter without being able to shut the windows or turn the heating on and that scenario doesn't bear thinking about!
Many thanks from a very grateful customer."
Margaret.
More useful links
Tips for Dealing with Dry Eyes Due to Sjogren’s Syndrome (in Sjogren’s Syndrome News)
Treatments for dry eyes (in Saga magazine)