What Is Sjögren’s Syndrome?
Sjögren’s (SHOW-griens) syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects the entire body. It most often causes severe dryness in the mouth, skin and eyes. Sjögren’s syndrome can affect other parts of the body, including the joints, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels, digestive organs, and nerves.
Who Gets Sjögren’s Syndrome?
With upwards of 4,000,000 Americans suffering from Sjögren’s, it is one of the most prevalent, and under diagnosed, autoimmune diseases. Nine out of 10 patients are women. About half of the time Sjögren’s occurs alone, and the other half it occurs in the presence of another autoimmune connective tissue disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or scleroderma.
What Are the Symptoms of Sjögren’s Syndrome?
- Dry eyes
- Dry mouth (frequent cavities)
- Dry skin (sometimes with skin rashes)
- Chronic dry cough or trouble swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Thyroid problems
- Joint and muscle pain
- Vaginal dryness
- Numbness and tingling in the arms and legs
- Fatigue
What kind of doctor treats Sjögren’s?
Rheumatologists are generally the primary doctors who manage Sjögren’s. Your optometric Physician and Dentist will also work as a team with your rheumatologist to help manage your symptoms.
source: “Dry Eye Disease can be a Symptom of Sjogren’s Syndrome” eyecare.org Eyecare.org. Web. May 3, 2018.
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At Advanced Eyecare Optometry, the doctors are thoroughly trained in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of vision disorders and eye disease. They utilize state-of-the art equipment such as the Zeiss OCT Optos Retinal Scanning Laser, and Humphrey Auto-Refractor and Visual Field Analyzer, which provides a higher level of care. This facilitates the early detection and management of eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataract which helps preserve your vision!Examinations also include the detection and treatment of eye muscle imbalance, poor eye coordination and reduced focusing ability, which are common problems among children and 40+ year olds.When indicated, the doctors fit any contact lenses required, including specialty lenses for astigmatism, monovision, (simultaneous far and near vision), or bifocal needs, as well as colored contact lenses for those who desire a “different look”.
If you are interested in laser eye surgery, (LASIK), the doctors will determine if you are a good candidate, and will provide the pre- and post-op management to insure a good outcome for this procedure.
Should you choose to wear eyeglasses, Advanced Eyecare Optometry offers a modern eyewear boutique with hundreds of styles to from which to choose. The licensed opticians are trained to help you select fashionable eyewear that compliments your lifestyle and fashion sense, all in a relaxed, friendly, caring atmosphere.
If you are looking for someone to help you with all your eyecare needs, then call Advanced Eyecare Optometry today. We’ll put your needs in focus!