Sjögren’s Syndrome and Dry Eye
What is Sjögren’s Syndrome?
Sjögren’s syndrome is a disease where your immune system mistakenly attacks the glands that keep your eyes and mouth moist. This can lead to persistent dryness, as well as a wide range of symptoms throughout your body.
Sjögren’s syndrome is one of the most common autoimmune disorders, targeting the glands that make tears and saliva. Over time, this immune attack causes dryness in the eyes and mouth and can sometimes affect other organs as well.
This condition can affect people of any age, but it is much more common among women, especially those over 40. Millions of Americans live with this diagnosis, making it important to be aware of its symptoms and impact.
Sjögren’s syndrome can occur on its own or together with other autoimmune disorders.
- Primary Sjögren’s: Develops independently, without other autoimmune diseases.
- Secondary Sjögren’s: Occurs along with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
Why Sjögren’s Causes Dry Eye
People with Sjögren’s syndrome experience dry eye because their immune system attacks and damages the tear glands, reducing both tear volume and quality. This disrupts the natural moisture that keeps eyes comfortable and healthy.
The body’s immune system mistakenly targets the lacrimal glands, causing inflammation and reducing the eyes’ ability to produce enough tears. This results in uncomfortable dryness and irritation.
The inflammation triggered by Sjögren’s can also affect the clear tissues on the front of the eye, leading to redness, burning, and sensitivity to light.
A normal tear film includes three parts: watery, oily, and mucous layers. Sjögren’s can disrupt any of these, so tears may evaporate too quickly or fail to properly protect the eyes. Problems with nearby glands, such as meibomian glands, can also make symptoms worse.
Symptoms of Dry Eye with Sjögren’s
Recognizing the symptoms of dry eye related to Sjögren’s syndrome helps you seek care and prevent complications. Our team at ReFocus Eye Health Penndel is experienced in identifying even subtle symptoms and guiding you to effective solutions.
Symptoms can vary, but many people notice some of the following:
- A dry, scratchy, or gritty feeling in the eyes
- Burning, stinging, or watering
- Redness or increased sensitivity to light
- Blurry or changing vision, especially after long periods of reading or screen time
- Heavy eyelids or tired eyes
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses comfortably
Dry eye can make reading, driving, and using digital devices uncomfortable or exhausting. People often need to take frequent breaks or use eye drops just to make it through the day.
How ReFocus Eye Health Penndel Diagnoses Dry Eye
Accurate diagnosis is essential for building an effective treatment plan. Our ophthalmologists combine advanced technology with careful attention to your personal symptoms and health history.
During your visit, we ask about your symptoms, any history of dry mouth, medications, and whether you have any autoimmune conditions. This information helps us understand if Sjögren’s syndrome or another cause is involved.
We use a variety of state-of-the-art tests in our Penndel office to measure your tear function and the health of your eye surface, such as:
- Schirmer test: Checks how many tears your eyes produce
- Tear film break-up time: Measures how quickly tears evaporate
- Eye surface staining: Uses safe dyes to spot dryness or damage
If autoimmune disease is suspected, blood tests can check for certain antibodies linked to Sjögren’s syndrome. These tests help confirm a diagnosis and guide further care options.
Treatment Options at ReFocus Eye Health Penndel
Managing dry eye related to Sjögren’s syndrome often requires a customized approach. Our practice uses advanced treatments and the latest technology, supported by our experience serving Penndel, Levittown, Bensalem, and the Greater Philadelphia Metropolitan Area.
Over-the-counter artificial tears and lubricating gels can relieve dryness by supplementing your natural tears. We often recommend preservative-free drops for less irritation when used often.
Prescription eye drops such as cyclosporine or lifitegrast help decrease inflammation and may improve your eyes’ natural tear production. Sometimes, short-term corticosteroid drops may be used for flare-ups, always under close supervision.
Punctal plugs are tiny, comfortable devices placed in the tear ducts to help keep tears on the surface of your eyes longer, boosting moisture and relief.
For people with severe dry eye, scleral lenses may be a solution. They are large, specialized lenses that create a protective tear reservoir over the eye, delivering moisture throughout the day.
Moisture chamber glasses or specialized goggles can help lock in humidity around your eyes, protecting them from wind, dry air, and environmental irritants.
Certain changes at home and work can make a big difference in daily comfort:
- Use a humidifier in dry or heated rooms
- Take regular screen breaks using the 20-20-20 rule
- Wear wraparound sunglasses outside
- Apply warm compresses to eyelids as directed
- Stay well-hydrated throughout the day
If your dry eye is connected to more widespread symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome, treatment from a rheumatologist using medications to reduce immune activity may be helpful.
In difficult cases, our ophthalmologists may discuss procedures like permanent punctal closure or amniotic membrane grafts, which are considered when other methods do not provide enough relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
We want you to feel confident and informed about your eye health. Here are some common questions we address in our practice.
There is no cure, but with proper treatment, most people can control their symptoms and protect their vision.
Yes, especially preservative-free options. Some people may notice brief blurriness or irritation right after applying drops, but this usually goes away quickly.
Without effective management, symptoms can progress and may harm the eye’s surface. Regular care at ReFocus Eye Health Penndel helps prevent this.
Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like fish or flaxseed, may support tear quality and reduce inflammation. Discuss supplements with your healthcare provider before making any changes.
It can increase the risk for conditions like corneal inflammation (keratitis), conjunctivitis, and eye infections if dryness is not well-controlled.
Regular exams every 6 to 12 months are recommended for anyone with Sjögren’s syndrome. More frequent check-ins may be needed if symptoms become severe or complicated.
Yes, hormonal changes, such as those experienced during menopause, can affect tear production and dry eye severity.
Some makeup products, especially those with fragrances or preservatives, can cause irritation. We recommend using gentle, hypoallergenic products and removing them thoroughly each night.
Airplane cabins and changing climates can dry out your eyes. Using artificial tears often, wearing moisture chamber glasses, and staying hydrated can help prevent symptoms while traveling.
Long-term steroid use can increase the risk of cataracts or glaucoma, so these drops are only used for short periods and under close supervision.
Chronic discomfort from dry eye can make daily life frustrating and even affect mood or mental health. Please let our team know if you need extra support, we are here to help.
Partnering for Healthy Eyes
Living with Sjögren’s syndrome and dry eye can be challenging, but you are not alone. As a trusted provider for Penndel and the Greater Philadelphia region, ReFocus Eye Health Penndel offers personalized care, ongoing education, and advanced treatment options to protect your vision and improve your daily comfort.
Got eye exam at Refocus. Waited a little. Lady at window polite, Dr. Bano polite, courteous, listened. I recommend this place. Thank you.
Jackie Baldridge
Dr. Soll caring, thorough ophthalmologist. Assistant Brooke kind, makes you comfortable. Dionne friendly receptionist, makes you welcome.
Darlene Squire
Posting for June 23. Dr. Soll is excellent, caring, professional. Thanks Tabby for assisting with appts, you are patient.
Andrea O'Connor Bodmer
I love this office. In and out quickly. Staff amazing, friendly. Dr. Soll fantastic. Highly recommend.
Jessica Terneson
First visit with Dr. Bano. very satisfied with her knowledge & explanations.
Daya Patel
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