I have retinitis but the eye hospital don't know what is causing it. I have had pretty much every blood test known to man, including full autoimmune screening, and they can't find anything causing it. I'm worried about vision loss and they haven't been very reassuring as they are confused as to why it is happening.
I already have Reynauds and have suspected I have Sjogrens for a while as have extremely dry eyes, nose, sinuses, vagina. I basically have no nasal secretions at all and get a lot of sinus pressure/pain as a result. The eye consultant said that Sjogrens would not cause the retinitis as it would only affect the front of the eye.
My question is firstly is this correct? I am trying not to Google too much as it makes me anxious but have read a few things that suggest there is a link between Sjogrens and retinitis.
Secondly, can I have Sjogrens with a negative ANA/autoimmune screening? I know diagnosis is often by lip biopsy but I'm reluctant to have this as have heard that it can cause numbness and scarring. Also, treatment is mainly just to address symptoms so I'm not sure it's worth it anyway.
Any suggestions of how best to relieve dry eyes/nose would also be much appreciated. I use Hycosan eye drops and a saline nasal spray but while they help a bit the symptoms are still pretty bad.