Dangerous Dry Eye
Dry eye effects a known 5 million patients in the US. There are another 25 million that have symptoms of it. These can include: burning, tearing, sharp pains, fluctuating vision, red eyes, eye pain, blurred vision, film over eyes, and discharge. The typical treatment regimens are over-the-counter artificial tears, prescription Restasis/Freshkote, warm compresses, punctal plugs/cautery for the tear drain openings, and lubricating ointments/gels. Surgery to restore eyelids to their proper positions and function can also be helpful.
Sometimes dry eyes are a warning sign of a more serious underlying illness or a side effect of medications for other ailments. One such condition is Sjogren’s syndrome, which may effect up to 1.3 million US patients. Other systemic issues with dry eyes include Rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, and mixed connective tissue disease.
Patients with Sjogren’s disease will have dry eyes and a dry mouth. There are blood tests for this condition, but it is best confirmed by a salivary gland test. This condition affects women more than men. There is both a primary Sjogren’s syndrome and a secondary Sjogren’s syndrome that is associated with another cause. Patients with conjunctival swelling are often more likely to have an inflammatory cause of their dry eyes. One of the most serious associations with Sjogren’s syndrome is a higher incidence of lymphoma, a type of cancer.
In summary, eye docs need to be aware of these conditions and have a high index of suspicion and consider testing especially in patients with a history of dry eyes and dental problems, dry mouth, fatigue, joint pain/swelling, gastrointestinal issues, and a family history of autoimmune diseases.