Sjogren's Syndrome: Dry Eyes and Artificial Tears

Sjogren's Syndrome, pronounced "show grins", is a chronic autoimmune condition and often affects the lacrimal (tear producing) glands in the body. Until recently the only solution to prevent and treat dry eye in Sjogren's patients was the use of artificial tears. Restasis is a medication on the market that some Sjogren's Syndrome suffers are having success with, but artificial tears still remain the first line of defense for the treatment of dry eye in Sjogren's Syndrome.

Treatment of dry eyes presents many challenges for patients and physicians. Dry eye can feel like burning pain, or as if something gritty is stuck in the eye. Avoidance of certain environmental conditions such as smoky rooms or areas with fans can help prevent worsening dry eye syndrome, while activities such as prolonged staring, reading or television watching can make dry eye symptoms worse. Even when these environmental factors and activities are controlled, dry eye may be a problem for Sjogren's Syndrome patients and artificial tears can help alleviate discomfort.

Eye drops must be used frequently, and there are many brands on the market. There are also eye gels that have a longer retention in the eye and therefore retain moisture for longer periods. The advantage of a longer lasting eye gel is that dosing is less frequent, however, some patients with Sjogren's experience a clouding of vision when using eye gels rather than drops. If the occurs, eye gels are a promising nighttime remedy that allow for extended moisture while at rest. Proper sleep is important for individuals with Sjogren's, as fatigue is a common complaint.

Regular eye drops are usually used multiple times daily to keep the eye wet and moist. Regular use of eye drops can help to prevent the painful symptoms of dry eye such as itching and burning. Many over the counter eye drops are available. They are also referred to as tear preparations, or artificial tears as these products are replacing the body's natural tears. Individuals with a diagnosis of Sjogren's Syndrome will want to avoid preparations that contain alcohol. Many artificial tear products that say they are used for controlling allergy symptoms or redness may contain alcohol that is drying. Be sure to read the labels, so that the product you choose provides moisture instead of taking it away.

Eye drop preparations should never be shared. Since eye drops are placed in the eye and typically come in bottles for multiple uses, they can harbor germs. It's okay to use your artificial tears bottle in both of your own eyes, but you want to be careful in sharing. Sharing your moisture can result in sharing someone else's eye infection, something people with Sjogren's want to avoid at all costs. Artificial tears can also be purchased in individual use packaging. These will tend to be more expensive than multi-use bottles, but may be a good solution if you are worried about the spread of germs.

If over the counter eye drop preparations are not sufficient to treat your dry eye symptoms, consultation with your primary care physician or rheumatologist is advisable. There are prescription eye drops available, such as Restasis that may be able to better treat your Sjogren's dry eye that basic over the counter artificial tear preparations.