The Mother of All Dry Eyes...
Severe Dry Eyes

Cases of the most severe dry eyes are caused by a systemic condition called Sjogren's Syndrome (SS).

What is Sjogren's Syndrome?

Sjogren's Syndrome is an autoimmune condition that frequently accompanies other autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and others.

The mucous glands that secrete your tears and lubricating fluids throughout the body are attacked by your own immune system, dramatically reducing their effectiveness.

It produces a profound dryness of the eyes, mouth and all other mucous membranes.

Patients are usually female. Autoimmune diseases are much more common in women.

Symptoms

Symptoms are severe burning and scratchiness of the eyes, as well as blurred vision. The drying of the eyes is sometimes severe enough to produce scarring of the cornea.

Treatment

Treatment of Sjogren's Syndrome includes everything we have discussed in Dry Eye Syndrome Treatments.

In addition we use oral medications like Salagen or Evoxac to increase mucous secretion.

Patients sometimes must use "moisture chamber glasses" to prevent evaporation of tears.

With aggressive treatment these patients can usually experience a great deal of relief.

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