Dry eyes are one of the most common and frustrating symptoms for people living with Sjögren's disease, an autoimmune condition that affects moisture-producing glands in the body.
This condition leads to reduced tear production, meibomian gland dysfunction and poor tear quality, leaving the eyes feeling dry, irritated, and uncomfortable.
Fortunately, there are many products designed to help manage these symptoms, providing much-needed relief.
If you are a new Sjogren's patient or want to learn more about dry eyes you can check out the Dry Eyes: A Hallmark Sjogren's Symptom post. This post goes through the mechanics of the eyes, how they work, what keeps the eyes moist, and why Sjogren's patients have dry eyes.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best products to combat dry eyes, so you can find comfort and maintain eye health despite the challenges of Sjögren's disease.
Eye Drops:
Eye drops, also known as artificial tears, are a staple in managing dry eyes.
They help restore moisture, alleviate irritation, and improve tear film quality. Look for preservative-free options, as preservatives used in eye drops can alter one of the protective layers of the eye surface, which can lead to more damage, and dryer eyes.
Pro Tip: Use eye drops throughout the day, even if your eyes don’t feel dry at the moment. Preventive hydration is key to reducing irritation.
Hylo eye dops are a crowd favourite. These drops are made without preservatives (which is essential for Sjogren's patients).
Hylo has many products to help battle dry eyes. This drop is great for every day daytime use.
This product is slightly thicker which typically allows a patient to use the drops less.
You can learn more about HYLO and all their dry eye products at their website https://www.candorvision.com/hylo
These eye drops are a great eye drop, reasonably priced, and available in a bottle (as opposed to individual vials).
You can purchase these drops on Amazon here.
You can learn more about Hydrasense drops at https://www.hydrasense.ca/en/eye-care/advanced/
This twin pack has Preservative free bottles in both a day time and night time use. A great product if you suffer from dry eyes both day and night.
You can purchase these drops on Amazon here.
Eye Lid Care Cleaning and Wipes:
Dry eyes often come with a buildup of debris and inflammation along the eyelid margins, especially in Sjögren’s patients.
Eyelid wipes gently cleanse the eyelids, improving tear film quality and preventing infections.
Pro Tip: Use these wipes daily as part of your morning or evening routine to remove irritants and promote healthier eyes. Look for hypoallergenic options for sensitive skin.
This foaming cleanser uses 100% all natural ingredients including tea tree oil to attack bacteria and demodex mites to combat red, itchy, irritated eyelid symptoms. Our foaming cleanser will soothe your symptoms by gently washing away dirt, allergens, and makeup residue.
You can order these eyelid cleansing wipes on Amazon here.
These eye lid wipes are a great product to use to clean the eye lids of
debris and bacteria that cause inflammation and blepharitis.
You can order these eyelid cleansing wipes on Amazon here.
These wipes cleans and removes ocular debris and makeup while enhancing the effectiveness of artificial tears.
You can order these eyelid cleansing wipes on Amazon here.
Lubricating Eye Ointment:
Lubricating eye ointments provide long-lasting relief, especially overnight when tear production naturally decreases. These thick, gel-like products coat the eyes, protecting them from dryness and irritation while you sleep.
Pro Tip: Apply a small amount before bed to wake up with less irritation. If blurry vision bothers you, consider using the ointment earlier in the evening for extended absorption.
This lubricating gel is best used before bed. Integrate it into your night time routine after using your lip wipes and heated mask. Locks the moisture in overnight.
You can purchase this gel/ointment on Amazon here.
The HYLO eye ointment helps to protect the tear film with vitamin A.
This products is preservative free & phosphate free and helps to protects and moisturizes eyes overnight.
You can learn more about the HYLO ointment here.
Moist Heat Eye Masks:
Moist heat eye masks are an excellent solution for soothing dry eyes and improving meibomian gland function. These glands, located along the eyelids, help produce the oily layer of tears that prevents them from evaporating too quickly.
Pro Tip: Use a heated eye mask for 10-15 minutes daily to stimulate oil production and improve overall tear quality. Opt for reusable masks with adjustable heat settings for comfort and convenience.
The Bruder eye mask is the top mask that optometrists recommend.
This mask works by warming it up in the microwave for 10-20 seconds and then resting it on the eyes for 5-10 minutes, which kickstarts the meibomian glands to start producing the oil layer on the eye lid.
You can purchase this mask on Amazon here.
Cold Therapy Eye Masks:
For Sjögren’s patients experiencing inflammation, redness, or swelling around the eyes, cold therapy eye masks offer a refreshing and calming solution. They reduce puffiness, soothe irritation, and can be a great complement to your daily dry eye care routine.
Pro Tip: Store your cold eye mask in the refrigerator for quick relief anytime you need it. Use it after a long day or when symptoms flare up.
This eye mask is versatile as it can be used for both heat and cold therapy on the eyes.
We recommend keeping a pair of these in the freezer and pulling them out to use any time you feel the inflammation starting to flare up.
You can purchase this mask on Amazon here.
Fish Oil Supplements:
Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish oil and flaxseed oil, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can benefit Sjögren's patients struggling with dry eyes. These healthy fats improve the quality of the oil layer in your tears, helping to reduce tear evaporation and maintain moisture on the eye’s surface.
Pro Tip: Look for high-quality Omega-3 supplements specifically labeled for eye health, and aim for a dosage recommended by your healthcare provider. Consistency is key—results may take several weeks to show, but the long-term benefits are worth it.
Omega-3 oils have been shows to drastically improve eye dryness. Be sure to add this into your morning routine and be consistent to see results.
You can purchase this oil on Amazon here.
Omega-3 oils have been shows to drastically improve eye dryness.
This product has no flavor, if you do not like the previous suggestion which was lemon flavor.
You can purchase this oil on Amazon here.
Dry Eyes Wrap Up:
Managing dry eyes with Sjögren’s disease requires a combination of targeted products and consistent care.
Whether it’s eye drops for daily hydration, a soothing eye mask for comfort, or an eye ointment for overnight relief, these products can help you tackle dry eye symptoms and improve your quality of life.
If you'd like to learn more about Sjogren's disease and get updated on the best products, treatments and therapies to help you manage day to day life as a Sjogren's patient - be sure to sign up to our email list to keep in contact.
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