[헬스TALK] Dry eyes, if it lasts for 3 months,’Sjogren’s syndrome’ rather than dry eye syndrome

As the hours of using computers and mobile phones increase, more and more people suffer from’dry eye syndrome’, which makes their eyes stiff and dry. Dry eye syndrome is caused by a decrease in the amount of tears or fluctuations in the vagina. The main symptoms are dry eyes, burning sensation, and blurring. As it is a very common symptom, you can think lightly and pass it by, but if these symptoms persist for more than 3 months, you should suspect’Sjogren’s Syndrome’.

Sjogren’s syndrome is a disease caused by abnormalities in the exocrine glands that secrete liquids such as tears, sweat, and saliva out of the body, and causes dryness in the mouth and eyes while the secretion of saliva and tears decreases. Although the cause of the onset of Sjogren’s syndrome is not clearly identified, it is presumed to be caused by genetic factors, hormones, bacterial or viral infections, nervous system, cytokines, autoimmune antibodies, and the like. Sjogren’s syndrome is relatively high, especially in middle-aged women over their 40s.

Most patients with Sjogren’s syndrome complain of dry eye and mouth symptoms over a short period of months to several years. Furthermore, other rheumatoid diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic sclerosis may also occur. In addition to this, it can invade the lungs, stomach, kidneys, and nerves, and may accompany lymphoma.

Sjogren’s syndrome is so unfamiliar with the disease itself, so there is also a research result that it takes an average of 11 years to develop symptoms and be diagnosed with Sjogren syndrome. In order to diagnose Sjogren’s syndrome, a comprehensive evaluation of salivary gland and lacrimal gland secretion, lip salivary gland biopsy, ocular staining score, and the presence of autoimmune antibodies are comprehensively evaluated.

The problem is that there is no cure for Sjogren’s syndrome fundamentally. The purpose of treatment is to relieve symptoms and prevent complications through constant drug treatment and lifestyle management. First of all, to control the symptoms of dryness, you need to improve your lifestyle. In order to relieve dry mouth, keep your mouth dry with constant intake of water, and chew sugar-free gum to help secrete the salivary glands to stimulate the salivary glands. Coffee, black tea, and green tea containing caffeine are recommended to be avoided as they promote diuretic and worsen dry mouth.

In addition, avoid using computers and smartphones for a long time, which can cause eye fatigue, and frequently put artificial tears to prevent the mucous membrane of the eye from drying out. It is also a good way to control the humidity using a humidifier.