Sjögren’s syndrome

Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease in which white blood cells attack moisture-producing glands. Today, as many as four million Americans live with this disease. Although the hallmark symptoms are dry eyes, light sensitivity, dry skin, and dry mouth, Sjögren’s may also cause dysfunction of other organs such as the kidneys, gastrointestinal system, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas, and the central nervous system. Patients may experience extreme fatigue and joint pain and have a higher risk of developing lymphoma.

Learn more at the Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation.

PROSE devices and scleral lenses are used to help individuals with severe and moderate dry eye and diseased and damaged corneas caused by Sjögren’s Syndrome. While scleral lenses can help many people, PROSE treatment is often the only hope for those suffering from the most devastating ocular surface issues. PROSE addresses the underlying eye condition and uses fully custom scleral lens devices that vault over the entire corneal surface, creating a reservoir between the cornea and the lens. The reservoir is filled with preservative-free saline to bathe and hydrate the eye all day, providing immediate relief and comfort, and promoting healing. PROSE also provides greatly improved vision. Think of the lens as a “new” cornea, which creates the shape of a typical, healthy cornea. This allows light to enter the eye at the correct angle for improved vision and reduced light sensitivity.