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Sjögren’s & Autoimmune Eye Care

Sjögren’s & Autoimmune Eye Care

When dry eye is part of something bigger.

Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, thyroid eye disease and other autoimmune conditions often affect the eyes. Dryness that drops don’t touch, burning, light sensitivity, blurry vision that comes and goes, and red, painful eyes are common. These patients usually need more than artificial tears, and ongoing care. We see them at our Odessa and East Lake (Palm Harbor) offices, and our East Lake office is home to our dry eye center.

Sjögren’s syndromeSevere, lasting dry eye is one of its main signs, often with dry mouth.
Rheumatoid arthritis and lupusCan cause dry eye and, less often, inflammation inside or on the surface of the eye.
Thyroid eye diseaseCan cause dryness, irritation, a staring look and sometimes double vision.
Eye inflammation (uveitis)A red, painful, light-sensitive eye that needs prompt treatment.
Medication side effectsSome medications for autoimmune conditions can affect the eyes, so regular exams matter.
Working with your doctorsWe share findings with your rheumatologist or primary care doctor.

How we care for autoimmune dry eye

  1. A detailed dry eye evaluation to measure your tears, the oil glands in your eyelids and the health of the eye’s surface, so treatment matches the cause.
  2. Prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops to calm the inflammation behind autoimmune dry eye.
  3. TearCare and oil gland treatment when blocked glands add to the dryness.
  4. Punctal plugs, tiny plugs that keep your own tears on the eye longer.
  5. Amniotic membrane therapy to help a damaged eye surface heal.
  6. Scleral lenses, which hold a layer of fluid over the eye and can bring real comfort and clearer vision for some patients with severe dry eye.
  7. Follow-up visits, because autoimmune dry eye changes over time and treatment often needs adjusting.

Working with your other doctors

Autoimmune conditions are managed by your rheumatologist or primary care doctor. We focus on your eyes, send our findings to your doctors with your permission, and refer to a retina or uveitis specialist when needed. Doctors can refer patients to us through our referring doctors page.

Get seen the same day if you notice

  • A red, painful eye with light sensitivity or blurry vision, which can be a sign of uveitis (see uveitis and iritis)
  • Sudden vision loss, a shadow in your vision, or sudden double vision (call 911 for sudden double vision with weakness or trouble speaking)
  • Severe eye pain, or a white spot on the colored part of the eye

Common questions

Can Sjögren’s syndrome cause dry eye?

Yes. Severe, lasting dry eye is one of the most common signs of Sjögren’s, along with dry mouth. It usually needs more than artificial tears.

Do I need to see an eye doctor if I have rheumatoid arthritis or lupus?

Yes, regularly. Autoimmune conditions can cause dry eye and, less often, inflammation inside the eye, and some of their medications can affect the eyes. A yearly exam, or more often if your doctor recommends it, helps catch problems early.

What helps autoimmune dry eye?

Treatment often combines prescription anti-inflammatory drops, care for the oil glands in the eyelids, punctal plugs, and for some patients amniotic membranes or scleral lenses. The right plan depends on what your evaluation shows.

Will you work with my rheumatologist?

Yes. With your permission, we send our findings to your rheumatologist or primary care doctor and coordinate your care.

Related: dry eye treatment · East Lake dry eye center · uveitis and iritis
This page is general information, not medical advice for your situation.

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