Sjogren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune condition that is often associated with severe dry eyes. Sjogren’s Syndrome also affects the mouth and can cause dry mouth. There are multiple treatments available with good outcomes for patients with Sjogren’s Syndrome.

About Sjogren’s Syndrome

As an autoimmune condition, Sjogren’s Syndrome occurs when the body’s immune system produces antibodies against the body’s own tissues.

The tissues targeted in Sjogren’s Syndrome are the mucus membranes of the mouth and eyes.

The mouth and eyes are normally lubricated to prevent friction and rubbing of the surfaces while chewing or blinking.

When Sjogren’s Syndrome is present, the antibodies attack the tissues responsible for lubricating these surfaces.

As a result of the tissue damage, the mouth and eyes will become very dry and cause pain while chewing or blinking.

Symptoms of Sjogren’s Syndrome in the Mouth

The most common symptom associated with Sjogren’s Syndrome affecting the mouth is pain, specifically in the corners of the mouth.

Other symptoms include periodontal disease, difficulty swallowing, and swollen salivary glands.

Symptoms of Sjogren’s Syndrome in the Eyes

The most common symptom of Sjogren’s Syndrome affecting the eyes is painful dry eyes.

Additional symptoms can include corneal inflammation, redness, and inflammation of the eyelids.

How is Sjogren’s Syndrome Dry Eye Different Than Other Forms

Sjogren’s Syndrome causes dry eyes in a very different manner than other non-specific forms of dry eye.

The majority of dry eye is actually caused by a lack of or insufficient production of the oil component in the tear film.

This type of dry eye is called evaporative dry eye and makes up roughly 90% of all cases of dry eye.

The remaining 10% of cases of dry eye are called aqueous deficient dry eye.

In this form of dry eye, the oil component of the tear film is normal but the watery, or aqueous, component is insufficient.

Dry eye from Sjogren’s Syndrome is a one of the major causes of aqueous deficient dry eye.

How is Sjogren’s Syndrome Diagnosed?

To diagnose Sjogren’s Syndrome, there are certain blood tests or saliva tests that can be ran to test for the presence of an autoantibody that is specific for Sjogren’s Syndrome.

Additionally, an eye doctor may order the blood tests or tear sample if findings on the eyes suggest a possibility of Sjogren’s Syndrome.

How is Sjogren’s Syndrome Treated Systemically?

To treat Sjogren’s Syndrome, there are several medications that are used to help increase the saliva production and prevent dryness in the mouth and in other areas of the body.

These treatments are not curative but are used to mitigate the symptoms experienced with Sjogren’s Syndrome.

How is Sjogren’s Syndrome Treated in the Eyes?

The dry eye symptoms from Sjogren’s Syndrome require a multifaceted treatment approach.

Both the symptoms of dryness and the lack of tear production must be treated.

The dryness is treated with lubricating artificial tears used in both eyes several times each day.

The lack of tear production can be treated with medication or eye drops to promote tear production.

Our eye doctor at Local Eyes Optometry in New Braunfels, TX excels in prescription of glasses, contact lenses and the diagnosis of a variety of eye diseases. Call our optometrist at (830) 627-9272 or schedule an eye exam appointment online if you would like to learn more about how Sjogren’s Syndrome affects the eyes. Our eye doctor, Dr. Marcus Page, provides the highest quality optometry services and eye exams in New Braunfels, Texas.