Sjogren’s Syndrome and Dry Eye

• What is Sjogren’s Syndrome and Dry Eye?
  • Sjogren’s is an inflammatory autoimmune condition that affects the entire body, specifically the tear and saliva glands.
  • Dry eye and dry mouth are very common symptoms
  • Sjogren’s can occur by itself or in addition to other autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and Systemic lupus erythematosus
• What causes Sjogren’s Syndrome and Dry Eye?
  • It is an autoimmune condition that may have genetic and viral components to it.
  • Uncontrolled inflammation cause most of the symptoms
• How is Sjogren’s Syndrome and Dry Eye treated?
  • Managing the symptoms is an ongoing process
  • SLC is able to prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops to reduce dryness as well as fitting customizable scleral contact lenses that provide a constant tear chamber to hydrate the eye, maximize vision, and limit dry eye complaints.
  • Your rheumatologist may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, steroids, and/or immunosuppressive agents to control the systemic symptoms
• Treatment Options
  • Scleral Specialty Lenses
    • If you have been diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome, suffer from dry eyes, or are struggling with the comfort of traditional contact lenses, scleral lenses may be able to help you. By creating a natural chamber of tears that will hydrate your eyes throughout the day, you will not only have superior vision with less fluctuation, but your eyes will be protected from the dust, debris, and allergens from the outside world.
  • Sjogren’s Syndrome and Dry Eye Therapy
    • Treatment Options:
      • Scleral Specialty Lenses
      • Restasis, Xiidra
      • Omega 3 supplements
      • Masks and wipes