Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome, called Sjogren's syndrome, is a disorder of the immune system often defined by its two most common symptoms: dry eyes and a dry mouth. Dry eye syndrome is an inflammatory disease that can affect many different parts of the body, but most often affects the tear and saliva glands. Patients with dry eye syndrome may notice irritation, a gritty feeling, or painful burning in the eyes. Although one can develop dry eye syndrome at any age, most people are older than 40 at diagnosis. The condition is nine times as likely to occur in women as in men. Dry eye syndrome affects 1-4 million people in the United States. There's no cure for dry eye syndrome, but treatments can relieve many of the symptoms. Common treatments include medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Corticosteroids. In rare cases, surgery may be performed to relieve dry eyes. Find extensive information, diagnosis, treatment, and help on dry eye syndrome.