Strategies For Managing Sjogren's Syndrome

Medication to Decrease Eye Inflammation

Medication to decrease eye inflammation may help Sjogren's syndrome patients manage their dry eye symptoms more effectively. For short-term relief of dryness in the eyes, doctors might prescribe corticosteroid eye drops. In the long-term, cyclosporine or lifitegrast may be beneficial as well. While using cyclosporine, patients should be aware of the potential for side effects, which include high blood pressure, leg cramps, swollen gums, headaches, nausea, kidney damage, and an increased risk for infection. Patients may also have vomiting, upset stomach, and changes in hair growth. Individuals using lifitegrast eye drops may experience eye irritation immediately after use, and discharge from the eye has been reported. Some patients might notice blurry vision or reduced visual acuity, and headaches may develop. If any unusual or worrying side effects present, Sjogren's syndrome patients should check with their eye care specialist about switching to another medicine.

Learn more about treating Sjogren's syndrome now.