Recently, my eyes became very dry and irritated. Because it was more or less time to go to the eye doctor for a new prescription anyhow (read: I’d been ordering my contacts online with an old script for far too long) I decided to make an appointment.

Because EDS is a connective tissue disorder, it effects all body systems. The eyes are especially susceptible to difficulty because they are 80% collagen (the substance affected by EDS). Some of the eye problems that EDS can cause include: Eyelid laxity, lens subluxation, thin cornea, photophobia (light sensitivity), dry eye,  high myopia (nearsightedness), posterior staphyloma/blue sclera, angioid streaks, retinal detachment, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Because of these risks, people with EDS should have a detailed eye exam each year.

Personally, I am lucky to only have experienced a small number of these things! I do have myopia, photophobia, and dry eye. I also have some abnormalities in the vasculature of my eyes. My ophthalmologist recommended that I  update my glasses (it’s been years since I got a pair) and wear them more often in order to give my delicate eyes a break from my contacts. She also prescribed contacts that are specifically for people with dry eye.

I was not pleased about the idea of wearing glasses more often at first, because I started wearing contacts when I was 10 or 11 years old and am very accustomed to having them in most of them time. Eventually though, I decided to use it as an opportunity to pick out a fun new set of frames, a pair that I thought I’d be tempted to wear more often. I am happy to announce that this approach has been quite successful for me!

I will be sure to make my yearly appointment a priority now that I know the risks EDS poses for my eyes.

Source:

Driscoll, D., OD, Neumann-Potash, L., RN, MN, & Wyse, P., MD, PhD, FRCS. (2008).Opthamology Medical Resource Guide [Pamphlet]. Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. I am simply describing my experience. If you have any concerns about your health, please consult with your physician.