Sjögren’s Syndrome Treatment in Downtown Manhattan

What Is Sjögren’s Syndrome?

Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder that largely impairs the body’s ability to create moisture, resulting in widespread dryness. This syndrome, named after Swedish ophthalmologist Henrik Sjögren, who first characterized it in the early twentieth century, can occur independently or along with other symptoms that may appear in different places in your body.

Sjögren’s syndrome, pronounced “showgrin,” is less prevalent than other autoimmune diseases, yet it’s not rare, as it affects nearly four percent of the world’s population. There is no cure for Sjögren’s syndrome, although there are numerous Sjögren’s syndrome treatments and management options.

Your Sjögren’s syndrome specialist near me in New York classifies it into two categories:

1. Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome develops on its own and isn’t connected with another autoimmune condition. It’s defined by dry eyes, dry mouth and other systemic symptoms caused by immune-mediated damage.
2. Secondary Sjögren’s Syndrome is associated with another autoimmune condition like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or scleroderma. Symptoms include dry eyes and mouth, as well as those of the main autoimmune disease.

If have dry eyes and are seeking a Sjögren’s specialist near me for a definitive diagnosis, Eye Physicians in NYC can update you with all the Sjögren’s syndrome treatment options that are available. Their optometrists have a wealth of expertise in diagnosing and treating both rare and common eye disorders.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Sjögren’s Syndrome?

Sjögren’s syndrome presents with varied effects on the body, and the symptoms vary from person to person. Few people have all the symptoms, and most of the time, symptoms fluctuate between mild and severe.

Common symptoms include:

• Dry mouth. One of the defining symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome is persistent dry mouth, caused by decreased saliva production.
• Dry eyes. You usually feel a gritty or burning sensation due to decreased tear production.
• Dry skin. Some people may suffer from dry skin, which can cause irritation or itching. It’s the most typical symptom of Sjögren’s disease and can have a substantial influence on everyday activities.
• Joint pain. Many individuals feel joint pain, edema and stiffness, which is similar to rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
• Difficulty swallowing. Swallowing can be difficult or painful due to decreased saliva production.

Secondary symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome differ according to the organs and systems impacted by the autoimmune response to the condition.

The secondary symptoms may include:

• Fever, tiredness and malaise with varying intensity
• An effect on organs other than the glands, causing diseases such as lung disease, kidney problems, liver problems and neurological conditions
• Blood vessel constriction in fingers and toes brought on by cold or tension, resulting in skin color changes and numbness
• Inflammation of blood vessels that results in rashes, ulcers and pain
• Lymphoma, specifically marginal zone lymphoma

If left untreated, Sjögren’s disease can cause a variety of problems that impact different organs and systems.

Symptoms are present in addition to the signs and symptoms of your underlying disease and may include:

• Persistent dryness that’s linked to tooth damage, mouth infections and difficulties swallowing
• Eyes that are prone to corneal damage and visual issues because systemic inflammation can harm organs such as the lungs, kidneys and liver
• An elevated risk of lymphoma
• Neurological problems, which can cause cognitive impairment and peripheral nerve damage

What Causes Sjögren’s Syndrome?

The actual cause of Sjögren’s syndrome is unknown, but different factors are thought to contribute to its development. Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune illness in which the immune system destroys normal tissues. Normally, the immune system defends the body against infection and disease.

Some factors that may contribute to the development of this condition include:

• Some genes enhance the chance of autoimmune illnesses such as Sjögren’s.
• Viral infections or chemicals can cause an autoimmune reaction in genetically vulnerable people.
• Hormonal abnormalities, particularly in postmenopausal women, may lead to Sjögren’s syndrome.
• Individuals with other autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, are more likely to pick up Sjögren’s syndrome.

Diagnosing Sjögren’s syndrome is an extensive process. Your Sjögren’s syndrome specialist carefully analyzes medical histories, noting how long you’ve had symptoms such as dry eyes and lips, and performs extensive eye examinations. Test Objective studies, such as tear and saliva production measurements, as well as blood tests to detect specific antibodies, help with a diagnosis.

What Are the Best Sjögren’s Syndrome Treatments?

Sjögren’s syndrome has no cure, thus treatment focuses on symptom management and preventing complications. You must work closely with your Sjögren’s specialist to create a personalized treatment plan that’s suited to your unique symptoms and needs.

The general approach to treating these symptoms includes:

• Artificial tears and lubricating eyedrops to reduce dryness and irritation in the eyes
• Saliva substitutes and oral moisturizers that relieve dry mouth and increase oral comfort
• Prescriptions drugs, such as Salagen and Evoxac, that increase saliva production
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce inflammation and pain
• Hydroxychloroquine, occasionally administered to treat joint pain and exhaustion that often accompanies Sjögren’s syndrome
• Immunization suppressing agents such as methotrexate, azathioprine or cyclosporine in the case of severe symptoms or organ involvement
• Corticosteroids to relieve inflammation in specific situations, but long-term use is generally discouraged due to potential negative effects

Wearing sunglasses and using humidifiers for dry eye relief, investigating biological treatments targeting immunological pathways and considering immunosuppressive medicines for severe symptoms are all potential treatment choices.

Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and using air conditioning, are also important. Regular monitoring and follow-up with a doctor for Sjögren’s syndrome ensures that management schemes are adjusted to achieve maximum symptom control.

Where Can I Find an Experienced Sjögren’s Specialist Near Me?

Eye Physicians in New York City provides exceptional Sjögren’s syndrome treatments at their Downtown Manhattan practice. With decades of experience, your doctor for Sjögren’s syndrome provides you with an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for you and your family.

To prioritize your well-being, contact Eye Physicians in NYC at the first sign of visual discomfort. In addition to the best Sjögren’s syndrome treatment, the Eye Physician’s team offers service from pediatric eye doctors who know how to work with kids.

They offer comprehensive eye care that includes a wealth of treatment options for all kinds of eye problems, including:

• Eye twitching
• Double vision (Diplopia)
• Pink eye
• Evaporative dry eye
• Ocular surface diseases

At My Eye Physicians, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care for patients with Sjogren’s Syndrome, utilizing advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Our experienced team is committed to ongoing research and education to ensure that our patients receive the best possible care.

Page Updated on Jul 5, 2024 by Dr. William Hogue, OD (Optometrist) of Eye Physicians

Eye Physicians
110 Lafayette St, Suite 503
New York, NY 10013
(212) 292-4814

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