Introduction to Optometry
Assignment
2015

Sjogren’s Syndrome

Abirami Punitharajakurukkal
Student Number: 201574605
University of Johannesburg
Cell: 0614294788
Email: abiramz4@hotmail.com
Contents: Page:

 Cover Page - 1
 Contents - 2
 Introduction - 3
 Pathophysiology - 5
 Symptoms - 6
 Signs - 6
 Treatment Options - 8
 Extra Information - 9
 References - 10

Introduction
Sjogorens syndrome can be considered as a very typical example of dry-eye related syndromes. It is a chronic …show more content…
The dry eye is a largely symptomatic condition which occurs very commonly worldwide and has the tendency to develop under many circumstances1. It is usually termed as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or simply keratitis sicca, and is caused by numerous diseases. Inflammation of the conjunctiva and accessory glands can be seen in up to 80% of patients with KCS. The terms sicca syndrome and sicca complex are also used frequently to describe dry eye associated with Sjogrens syndrome1. To avoid any confusion of these terms, the term KCS is used to refer to dry eye generally and to indicate that there is a dry eye condition present. Regardless of the underlying disease causing the dry eye, an alteration in the tear film is distinct and consistent in each case and it is this change in the tear film that causes the resultant damage to the cornea and conjunctiva1. Sjogrens syndrome is divided into two categories: Primary Sjogrens syndrome and secondary Sjogrens syndrome. The former involves only dry eyes (xerophthalmia) and dry mouth …show more content…
The disease is named after the man who discovered it, Henrick Sjogren and is defined classically as a triad of clinical manifestations: dry eyes, dry mouth and an autoimmune disease. In order to diagnose Sjorgrens Syndrome as being present, two of the three components of the triad must be identified. In the last twenty years, no fewer than seven international classification criteria have been proposed for the diagnosis of Sjogrens Syndrome1. These classifications systems are termed as the Boston, San Francisco, Copenhagen, San Diego, Japanese, Greek, and European criteria1. In 1986, Fox and colleagues in San Diego confirmed on a combination of features that will be a basic guide towards diagnosing Sjogrens syndrome. The proposed feautures