Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the glands that produce tears and saliva, leading to persistent dry eyes and dry mouth. While it often affects multiple body systems, the ocular symptoms, severe dryness, irritation, burning, blurred vision, and light sensitivity, are among the most common and most disruptive to daily life.
At Miami Eye Doctor, Dr. Rachel Shlomov, OD provides personalized evaluation and advanced care for patients with Sjögren’s-related dry eye. From comprehensive diagnostics to specialty treatments such as scleral contact lenses, our goal is to optimize comfort, protect your ocular surface, and improve visual function long term.
What is Sjögren’s Syndrome?
Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly targets moisture-producing glands, especially the lacrimal (tear) glands and salivary glands. This results in decreased tear production, leading to chronic dry eyes and a sensation of grittiness, burning, or constant irritation. The syndrome can occur on its own (primary) or in association with other autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus (secondary).
Because tears not only lubricate but also nourish and protect the cornea, inadequate tear production puts the ocular surface at risk for damage, inflammation, and infection over time.
Signs & Symptoms of Sjögren’s -Related Dry Eye
People with Sjögren’s commonly report:
- Persistent dryness, burning, or a gritty sensation
- Red or irritated eyes that feel tired or uncomfortable
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Sensitivity to light or difficulty with prolonged reading/screen use
- Stringy mucus or eye discharge
- Eyes that tear reflexively in response to dryness
Unlike normal dry eye, Sjögren’s-associated dryness can be severe and relentless, often requiring more than artificial tears to achieve relief.
Standard Treatments & Supportive Care
Sjögren’s dry eye management is usually staged based on severity:
Lubrication & Tear Supplements
Preservative-free artificial tears, gels, and ointments help soothe the surface and protect the cornea, but many patients with moderate to severe dryness need more than drops alone.
Anti-inflammatory Medications and Procedures
Topical prescription medications designed to reduce inflammation of the ocular surface may be recommended. These can help improve tear film stability when inflammation is a major contributor. Further, procedures such as Optilight IPL and Optiplus RF can help decrease inflammation and increase meibum in the tearfilm, which helps keep tears on the ocular surface longer.
Environment & Lifestyle Adjustments
Increasing ambient humidity, avoiding drafts, and taking regular breaks from screens can help minimize symptoms. Moisture-chamber eyewear and eyelid hygiene also play supportive roles
How Scleral Lenses Help in Sjögren’s Syndrome
For many patients with Sjögren’s syndrome, standard eye drops and medications provide some relief but do not fully protect the ocular surface. That’s where scleral lenses can be transformative.
Scleral lenses are large-diameter, rigid gas-permeable contact lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the less sensitive sclera. Before insertion, a sterile preservative-free saline solution is used to fill the space between the lens and the cornea, creating a fluid reservoir that continuously bathes and protects the ocular surface throughout the day.
Why scleral lenses are especially helpful for Sjögren’s:
- Continuous hydration: The fluid reservoir provides consistent moisture, reducing irritation and dryness throughout the day.
- Protection from external irritants: Scleral lenses act as a shield against wind, dust, and environmental irritants that exacerbate discomfort.
- Comfort on sensitive eyes: Because the lens doesn’t contact the cornea directly, it avoids irritation and can be more comfortable even in severely dry eyes.
- Improved vision: By creating a smooth optical surface on an otherwise unstable tear film, scleral lenses often provide sharper, more reliable vision than glasses or soft lenses in the context of Sjögren’s.
Clinical studies and expert guidelines recognize scleral lenses as a valuable option for advanced dry eye and Sjögren’s-related ocular surface disease when traditional therapies fall short.
Why Choose Dr. Rachel Shlomov for Sjögren’s Care in Miami Beach
Dr. Rachel Shlomov, OD provides personalized care for Sjögren’s-related dry eye and ocular surface disease with a focus on:
- Thorough diagnostics and tear film evaluation
- Integrated treatment plans tailored to severity
- Advanced scleral lens fittings for lasting relief
- Long-term monitoring and follow-up
Patients from Miami Beach, Surfside, Bal Harbour, and the greater Miami community turn to Dr. Shlomov for expert guidance and support in managing the complex visual needs associated with Sjögren’s syndrome.
Sjögren’s Syndrome & Dry Eye Care Near Surfside, Bal Harbour & Miami
If you are experiencing persistent dry, irritated eyes that resist conventional treatments, specialized Sjögren’s care is available right here in Miami Beach. Early evaluation and modern treatment options, including scleral lenses, can improve both comfort and vision.
Schedule a Sjögren’s Dry Eye Evaluation
If you suspect Sjögren’s syndrome or have chronic dry eye that doesn’t respond to standard treatments, schedule a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Rachel Shlomov. Together, you’ll explore personalized options to protect your eyes and improve daily comfort.