Discover more about this condition and how to treat it
Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease with symptoms that include dry eyes, mouth and skin.
It causes the body’s immune system to destroy the glands responsible for keeping the body’s eyes and other parts lubricated. It occurs most frequently in women and is linked to other conditions like arthritis.
We do not know what causes Sjogren’s Syndrome. Research suggests it could be linked to genetics or bacterial or viral infection.
Some people have a higher chance of developing the condition than others. Older women are most at risk, and around 90% of people with Sjogren’s Syndrome are female.
The disease can occur on its own, but in some people, it occurs alongside other autoimmune disorders, such as lupus and arthritis.
Sufferers commonly experience dry eyes, accompanied by blurred vision, light sensitivity, and eye irritation. However, dry eyes can have numerous other causes and needn’t necessarily be a symptom of Sjogren’s Syndrome.
Aside from dry eyes, people tend to suffer from a dry mouth, which may also lead to an inability to chew and swallow easily. Sjogren’s Syndrome can also cause dry sinuses, leading to a high occurrence of sinus infections. Sufferers may also experience dry and sore skin.
Joint and muscle pain are also common, and the disease can occur alongside arthritis in some people.
We can diagnose dry eye with a Schirmer test, ocular surface staining and serological test.
Treatment for Sjögren’s syndrome generally focuses on stopping the symptoms, as the cause is unknown. Dry eye treatments range from simple eye drops to surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.
Will I need to use eye drops every day?
Lubricant eye drops are important to maintain the comfort of your eyes, so you will likely use them multiple times per day.
Can Sjogren’s syndrome be permanently fixed?
No, as it is an autoimmune condition. What we can do is manage the symptoms.
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Learn more about treating Sjögren’s Syndrome from authoritative sources.
Sjögren’s (pronounced show-grins) syndrome is a condition that affects parts of the body that produce fluids, like tears and spit (saliva).
It usually starts in people aged 40 to 60 and is much more common in women than men.
It’s a long-term condition that can affect your daily life, but there are treatments to help relieve the symptoms. Click here to read more.
Sjögren syndrome is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by exocrine gland dysfunction and a variable systemic course. Lymphocytic infiltration of the lacrimal and salivary glands results in the classic sicca complex characterized by dry eyes (keratitis sicca or keratoconjunctivitis sicca [KCS]) and dry mouth (xerostomia). Click here to read more.
- Sjogren’s is an autoimmune disorder that affects moisture-producing glands.
- The condition affects 0.1 to 4 percent of people in the U.S., and 90 percent of people with Sjogren’s are women.
- It causes the eyes and mouth to dry out, and can also lead to tooth decay, recurring oral thrush, and a persistent dry cough.
- Sjogren’s affects multiple systems and can be difficult to diagnose. However, blood tests, ophthalmological testing, and measuring the salivary flow rate can help identify the condition. A biopsy of the lower lip can be important in the diagnosis, especially if the hallmark autoantibodies SSA (Ro), and SSB (La) are negative, which can occur in up to 30% of biopsy positive cases.
- Prescribed eye drops, artificial tears, and moisture chamber spectacles can help to relieve dry eyes.
- Other medications can help to stimulate the flow of saliva. Chewing sugar-free gum can help lubricate the mouth, and numerous saliva substitutes are available to try.
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