Dry Eye: Sjogren’s Syndrome
Living with Sjogren's: Understanding Dry Eye Disease and Its Treatment Options
A dry eye condition develops when your tears cannot adequately lubricate your eyes. There are various reasons why tears may be insufficient and unsteady. On the other hand, Sjogren's syndrome is an immune system condition distinguished by its two most typical symptoms: dry eyes and a dry mouth.
In this guide, you'll learn about Sjogren's syndrome, dry eyes, its causes, symptoms, and the best treatment options.
What is Sjogren's syndrome?
Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic systemic inflammatory illness that causes dryness of the eyes and mouth due to reduced lacrimal and salivary gland function.
Sjogren's syndrome typically affects your mucous membranes and moisture-secreting glands in your mouth and eyes first, which causes less saliva and tears.
Although Sjogren's syndrome can occur at any age, most cases are diagnosed in those over 40. Women experience the disease far more frequently than men.
Symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome
Dry eyes: They may sting, burn, or feel gritty in your eyes.
Dry mouth: Your mouth may feel cottony, making swallowing and speaking difficult.
However, some patients may have:
Swollen salivary glands
Dry skin
Prolonged fatigue
Dry cough
Joint pain
Causes of Sjogren's syndrome
Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune condition. The cause of Sjogren's syndrome in certain patients remains unknown to scientists. Your immune system could unintentionally attack your body's own cells and tissues.
People with specific genes are more likely to develop the disorder, but there must also be a triggering event, such as exposure to a particular virus or bacterial strain.
What are dry eyes?
Dry eye disease occurs when your tears cannot provide appropriate lubricant for your eyes, causing discomfort.
Tears cover the outer layer of the eye, providing protection. The glands around the eye produce tears, which maintain a constant level of moisture in the eye. Some people don't make sufficient tears to keep their eyes comfortable and moist, which causes dry eyes.
Symptoms of dry eyes
Some of the common symptoms of dry eyes include:
Red and dry eyes
Burning sensation in the eyes
Eye itching
A feeling of something in the eyes
Eyestrain
Light sensitivity
Stringy mucus around the eyes
Blurred vision
Eye fatigue
Why do patients suffer from dry eye?
People may suffer from dry eyes for various reasons. But aging remains the highest factor as the tears are produced less frequently as you age.
Men and women both experience it, but post-menopausal women are more susceptible.
Some other common causes of dry eyes include:
Sjogren's syndrome
Other medical conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, lupus, scleroderma, thyroid disorders)
Allergic eye disease
Poor blinking habits
A dry, indoor environment
Vitamin A deficiency
Certain medications (antihistamines, diuretics, birth control pills, and ulcer medications).
Treatment options for dry eyes
Many people use over-the-counter eyedrops and drink more water to treat the symptoms of dry eyes or Sjogren's syndrome.
However, if you consult your optometrist, they may recommend the following treatment options:
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Your eye care provider may suggest prescription eyedrops like Restasis or Xiidra for mild to moderate symptoms.
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Autologous serum eye drops (ASEDs) are customized blood-derived eye drops diluted in sterile saline.
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Hyaluronic acid increases the ability to bind and retain water, improves the stability of the tear film and aids in wound healing.
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These in-office treatments help to restore healthy oil production and improve tear quality by warming and massaging the interior of the eyelids to treat meibomian gland dysfunction.
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IPL is a non-invasive method that uses intense light to lessen inflammation and redness in the eyes. A device emits brief light pulses into the damaged areas during the procedure.
Please contact us to diagnose and evaluate your eye health, with a focus on the ocular surface. Our optometrists will customize a treatment plan to alleviate and prevent symptoms related to Sjogren’s syndrome.