Sjögren's Syndrome and Dry Eye: Why It Happens and How It Can Be Managed
What Is Sjögren's Syndrome?
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own moisture-producing glands.
The salivary glands and tear glands are most commonly affected, causing dry mouth and dry eyes.
Some people have primary Sjögren's syndrome, while others develop it alongside another autoimmune condition such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
For many patients, dry eye is one of the earliest and most troublesome symptoms.
Why Does Sjögren's Syndrome Cause Dry Eye?
Healthy tears are essential for protecting the surface of the eye, maintaining clear vision and keeping the eyes comfortable.
In Sjögren's syndrome, the lacrimal glands produce fewer tears, resulting in aqueous-deficient dry eye.
Many patients also develop meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), meaning they have both reduced tear production and increased tear evaporation.
This combination can result in significant ocular discomfort.
Symptoms of Sjögren's-Related Dry Eye
Symptoms may include:
Persistent dry eyes
Burning or stinging
Gritty sensation
Red eyes
Watery eyes
Blurred or fluctuating vision
Light sensitivity
Difficulty reading
Contact lens intolerance
Eye fatigue
Many patients find that symptoms worsen in windy environments, heated rooms or during prolonged screen use.
Can Sjögren's Syndrome Damage the Eyes?
If severe dry eye is left untreated, the surface of the eye can become inflamed and damaged.
In some cases, patients may develop:
Persistent corneal staining
Filamentary keratitis
Recurrent corneal erosions
Increased risk of infection
Regular monitoring and appropriate treatment are therefore important.
How Is Dry Eye Assessed?
At The Dry Eye Suite, we perform a comprehensive dry eye assessment to understand the severity of your condition and identify all contributing factors.
Your assessment may include:
Detailed symptom history
Slit lamp examination
Tear film assessment
Meibomian gland evaluation
Meibography (imaging of the meibomian glands)
Ocular surface assessment
Although Sjögren's reduces tear production, many patients also have treatable meibomian gland dysfunction, which can significantly contribute to their symptoms.
Treatment Options
Treatment is tailored to your individual needs.
Your management plan may include:
Preservative-Free Lubricating Eye Drops
Frequent use of preservative-free lubricants can help improve comfort and protect the ocular surface.
Punctal Plugs
Punctal plugs reduce tear drainage, allowing your natural tears and lubricating drops to remain on the eye for longer.
For many patients with Sjögren's syndrome, punctal plugs can form an important part of dry eye management.
Blephasteam®
Blephasteam provides controlled moist heat to improve meibomian gland function where evaporative dry eye is also present.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
Some patients with Sjögren's syndrome also have significant meibomian gland dysfunction.
Where appropriate, IPL may help improve gland function and reduce evaporative dry eye symptoms.
Suitability is determined following a comprehensive assessment.
Eyelid Hygiene
Maintaining healthy eyelids can improve tear film quality and reduce inflammation.
Personalised Home Care
Your treatment plan may include:
Lubricating eye drops
Warm compresses where appropriate
Eyelid hygiene
Lifestyle advice
Environmental modifications
Working Alongside Your Medical Team
Sjögren's syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disease and should be managed by your GP, rheumatologist and other healthcare professionals as appropriate.
Our role is to assess and manage the ocular surface, working alongside your wider medical team to improve eye comfort and reduce dry eye symptoms.
When Should You Seek Help?
Arrange a specialist dry eye assessment if:
Your eyes remain uncomfortable despite regular lubricating drops.
Your vision fluctuates during the day.
Your eyes burn or sting frequently.
You have been diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome and would like your dry eye assessed.
Your symptoms are affecting your quality of life.
How We Can Help
At The Dry Eye Suite, we specialise in diagnosing and managing complex dry eye disease, including dry eye associated with Sjögren's syndrome.
Using advanced diagnostic technology, including meibography, we assess both tear production and meibomian gland health before creating a personalised treatment plan.
Our goal is to improve comfort, protect the ocular surface and help you manage your dry eye with evidence-based care tailored to your needs.
If you're living with Sjögren's syndrome and struggling with dry eyes, book a comprehensive dry eye assessment today at The Dry Eye Suite, Harold's Cross, Dublin.