Eye’d Drop That Doctor If I Were You

I have multiple autoimmune diseases — most recently, Sjogren’s Syndrome, which attacks salivary glands and tear ducts. The doctor who diagnoses me tells me to follow up with my dentist and eye doctor very soon since this affects their areas of specialty. My dentist is very helpful with suggestions.

Then, there’s my eye doctor.

As one of the techs is doing all the necessary eye tests, she asks if there’s anything specific I need to bring up with the doctor.

Me: “Yes. I was recently diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome, and I was hoping to get some treatment suggestions from Dr. [Eye Doctor].”

Tech: “What’s that?”

Me: “Sjogren’s? It’s an autoimmune disease that attacks the tear ducts and salivary glands.”

Tech: “I’ve never heard of that.”

Me: “Never mind. I’ll just bring it up with him.”

The eye doctor comes in not long after. He asks if I have any concerns today. I repeat myself.

Eye Doctor: “You can get over-the-counter drops for that.”

Me: “Um… okay. As far as disease progression, are there any symptoms I should be watching for? Vision changes, floaters, that kind of thing?”

Eye Doctor: “Well, all those autoimmune diseases are the same.”

Me: “No, they’re not…”

Eye Doctor: “If you have vision changes, call the office. Otherwise, use eye drops if your eyes are dry.”

And that was that. I’m now looking for a new eye doctor.