$Unique_ID{BRK01072}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Causes Dry Eyes?}
$Subject{eyes dry Sjogren's syndrome syndromes Ill Defined symptom Symptoms
eye drops drop artificial tears tear chronic inflammatory disorder dry mouth
arthritis joint inflammation Swollen parotid resource}
$Volume{N-21}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Causes Dry Eyes?


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QUESTION:  I frequently seem to suffer from dry eyes which bother me most
after I've been asleep and try to open them.  There are no crusts, and my eyes
don't appear red or inflamed.  The problem is gradually getting worse.  Is
there anything you can tell me to help.

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ANSWER:  You should definitely see an your physician for a close up and
personal opinion, but here is my guess as to what will happen.  He will
probably prescribe eye drops (artificial tears) to help decrease the dryness,
but he should also measure your tear production to check for a chronic
inflammatory disorder called Sjogren's syndrome; a dry mouth is the other
common sign, so your doctor would also evaluate your salivary gland
secretions.  For some people with Sjogren's these are the only mucous
membranes involved, while for others there is dryness at various other sites
on the body.  Another common characteristic of the disorder is arthritis or
joint inflammation, occurring in about one-third of patients.  Swollen parotid
glands that are usually firm but moderately tender also can be found in about
one third of the patients with this syndrome.  Approximately 1 in 2,000
individuals suffers from Sjogren's syndrome, and it tends to affect women over
40 times more than others.  The cause is unknown, but is considered by many
experts to be an abnormality of the immune system, and treatment is basically
aimed at increasing lubrication of the eyes and mouth.  You can also obtain
more information and help by writing to the Sjogren Foundation, 382 Main
Street, Port Washington, New York 11050.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.