Sjogren's Syndrome

As many as 4 million Americans suffer from Sjogren's Syndrome; an autoimmune disease that attacks and destroys the glands responsible for keeping the eyes and mouth properly lubricated. Because of this failure to properly lubricate and moisturize, dry eye is a classic symptom of Sjogren's Syndrome but can be paired with blurred vision, a burning or gritty sensation and light sensitivity. Sjogren's Syndrome requires ongoing treatments, so have frequent discussions with your eye care physician about managing Sjogren’s Syndrome dry eye symptoms.

Symptoms

The two most common symptoms attributed to Sjogren’s syndrome are dry eye and dry mouth. If you are suffering from Sjogren’s syndrome, your eyes may be itchy, burn or feel gritty, as if sand were in them. Some people with Sjogren's Syndrome have reported experiencing one or more of the following symptoms:

• Swollen salivary glands, particularly the set located behind the jaw and in front of the ears.
• Joint pain and swelling
• Skin rashes or dry skin
• Vaginal dryness
• Persistent dry cough
• Fatigue that doesn’t go away

Most diagnosis of Sjogren’s Syndrome are among women over the age of 40. Your doctor will take into account your medical history alongside some tests to determine if Sjogren's Syndrome is affecting you or if your symptoms are due to another disease that it shares signs and symptoms with. Some medication treatments for the extreme dry eye include artificial tears.

To test for Sjogren’s Syndrome your Ophthalmologist can measure the dryness of your eyes with a test called a Schirmer tear test. A piece of small filter paper is placed under your lower eyelid to measure the eyes tear production. They may also examine the surface of the eye with a magnifying device called a slit lamp. Drops may be placed in the eye to make it easier to see damage to the cornea.

Treatments

Managing the dry eye associated with Sjogren’s Syndrome can sometimes be as simple as an increase in water intake and the use of over the counter artificial tears. In more severe cases, prescription medications or surgical procedures may become a necessity. Visit an Ophthalmologist to determine what course of treatment is right for managing your Sjogren’s Syndrome Dry Eye.

Surgery

In some cases a minor surgery will be done to seal the tear ducts that drain tears from the eye to help relieve dry eye. Collagen or silicone plugs are placed in the tear ducts to help preserve your tears.

Who is at risk

A few factors can put you at an increased risk of Sjogren’s Syndrome. Most people diagnosed are over the age of 40, and women are ten times more likely to develop Sjogren’s Syndrome than men. Someone with a rheumatic condition like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to develop Sjogren’s Syndrome as a secondary condition. Environmental factors and genetics can also put you at an increased risk.