Autoimmune diseases can manifest in unexpected ways. Sjögren’s Syndrome, primarily known for affecting the tear and saliva glands, has significant ocular implications.
Diving Deep into Sjögren’s It’s a systemic autoimmune disorder. This means that the body’s immune system, designed to ward off external threats, mistakenly starts targeting its tissues. In Sjögren’s, the primary targets are the glands producing tears and saliva.
Ocular Symptoms
- Persistent dryness.
- A sensation of sand or grit in the eyes.
- Redness and irritation.
- Fatigue, especially after reading or computer work.
Diagnosis and Management Diagnosis often involves a combination of clinical examination, blood tests, and sometimes minor salivary gland biopsy. Treatment aims at symptom management:
- Lubricating eye drops.
- Immunosuppressive medications in severe cases.
- Environmental modifications like reducing screen time.