Kinney’s Journey: From Diagnosis to Relief with PROSE Devices
Kinney, a Bible professor and preacher, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) around 2000 and later with Sjögren's syndrome. It was a long journey. Reflecting on this period, Kinney recalls, “From the time I got RA till the time they said I had Sjögren's, it was almost three years.” Sjögren's syndrome is an immune system disorder that can accompany other immune system disorders, such as RA and lupus. It most often occurs in adults over age 40. The mucous membranes and moisture-secreting glands of the eyes and mouth are usually affected first — resulting in decreased tears and saliva. (Source: Mayo Clinic ) Initial Symptoms and Struggles The ocular symptoms associated with Sjögren's syndrome began to significantly impact Kinney's life. “When I would read, my eyes would lock on my close vision, and I couldn't see far away,” he explained. Over time, his eyes worsened, leading to extreme pain and deteriorating vision, eventually forcing him to stop driving. Despite consulting various eye doctors in Abilene, Texas, and later in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, he found little relief. The prescribed treatments, including Restasis and eye drops made from his blood serum, also known as serum tears, offered minimal help. Even punctal cauterization of tear ducts provided no relief. Turning Point: Discovery of PROSE During a visit to an eye doctor in the Dallas-Fort Worth area “just as I was walking out the door of his office," the doctor said, ‘'You might look online at Boston Foundation for Sight.” This suggestion marked [...]