Sjogren’s Syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease that has been estimated to affect between one-half to 3 percent of the world’s population. In America alone, 4 million people or more live with this disease, and chronic dry eyes is among its hallmark symptoms.
Sjogren’s can occur at any age, but is most commonly diagnosed in those who are in their 40’s, with 9 out of 10 patients being women. Dr. Henrik Sjogren, its namesake, first identified the disease in 1933. It received more attention in 2011 when tennis star Venus Williams dropped out of the U.S. Open announcing she had been diagnosed with Sjogren’s.
Sjogren’s occurs when white blood cells attack a person’s moisture-producing glands. This not only causes dry eyes, but dry mouth, fatigue, joint pain, and can cause other organs to dysfunction. While the number of sufferers may seem relatively low, life for those who have it can be a debilitating daily challenge.
Sjogren’s Syndrome causes dry eye symptoms in much the same way other causes can. Dry eye is caused by a lack of healthy tear production. A complex mixture of proteins, water, oils and electrolytes, your tears provide nutrients for keeping your eyes properly lubricated and protected. Having clear vision means tears are distributed over the ocular surface evenly.
People with Sjogren’s Syndrome aren’t so fortunate. They have an inflammation of the glands that secrete those much-needed tears. This often results in chronic dry eye, a more severe condition that’s not only uncomfortable, but has been known to cause damage to the eye if not properly treated. For general care, a rheumatologist is primarily responsible for managing Sjogren’s. For specific symptoms, like dry eyes, a patient may be referred to an ophthalmologist or dry eye specialist.
Just like there is no cure for Sjogren’s as of yet, there is no cure for dry eyes, regardless of the cause. But just like Sjogren’s, effective treatment management can make a tremendous difference. With the right dry eye specialist and today’s advancements, patients can live each day more symptom free than ever before.