Answer Summary

Members widely confirmed experiencing burning, itchy, and watery eyes, especially during flare-ups, with many attributing it to dry eye... Read more

Members widely confirmed experiencing burning, itchy, and watery eyes, especially during flare-ups, with many attributing it to dry eye syndrome common in autoimmune diseases like AS. Several members emphasized the importance of seeing an ophthalmologist to rule out uveitis or iritis, which can lead to serious complications like glaucoma and vision loss if left untreated, while sharing that gel eye drops, lubricants like Systane and Refresh, and warm compresses have provided relief. A recurring theme was the frustration of managing yet another symptom, the surprise at discovering the connection to AS, and the critical need to take eye symptoms seriously rather than dismissing them as minor irritations.