Dry Eyes & Sjögren’s Disease Care
- Dry Eye Syndrome
- Eye Irritation Relief
- Tear Film Balance
- Ocular Surface Health
- Chronic Dryness Treatment
Soothe dryness. Refresh your eyes.
Dry Eyes & Sjögren’s Disease:
Comprehensive Care to Relieve Eye Dryness
Dry eyes are among the most common vision concerns, yet for many people the impact goes far beyond minor irritation. Gritty discomfort, fluctuating clarity, and constant fatigue can interfere with work, reading, driving, and other daily activities. For some patients, the underlying cause is Sjögren’s disease—an autoimmune condition that targets moisture-producing glands and makes eye dryness especially persistent.
The good news is that relief is possible with an accurate diagnosis and a plan tailored to your health history and lifestyle. Dr. Belgrave takes time to uncover what’s driving your symptoms—whether medications, environmental triggers, or autoimmune conditions—then develops a treatment strategy designed to restore comfort and safeguard long-term vision. By addressing dry eyes early, patients not only reduce daily discomfort but also protect their ability to enjoy life with clearer, healthier eyes.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Eye dryness happens when your tears aren’t able to provide enough moisture for your eyes. This can happen because your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or because the tears they do produce evaporate too quickly. Common causes include:
Aging and hormonal changes Screen time and reduced blinking Certain medications Environmental factors like wind or dry air Underlying health conditions like autoimmune diseases Autoimmune Conditions
Sjögren’s disease is one of the most common autoimmune condition, and it can sharply reduce natural tear production.
Beyond medical conditions, common environmental triggers also play a role. Prolonged screen use without blinking, exposure to dry winter heat or air conditioning, and secondhand smoke can all worsen symptoms. People with autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s often find these environmental factors magnify their eye dryness, leading to greater discomfort.
For background on mechanisms and risk factors, see the National Eye Institute overview.
Symptoms of Dry Eye
You may have dry eyes if you experience: Burning, stinging, or scratchy sensation in your eyes Redness or irritation Blurred vision that improves with blinking Sensitivity to light A feeling like something is stuck in your eye
These symptoms often persist longer—and flare more frequently—in people living with Sjögren’s disease, making earlier evaluation and steady follow-up especially important.
Symptoms are not always constant—they can fluctuate. Some patients feel worse in the morning due to poor tear film overnight, while others notice irritation building throughout the day. Sjögren’s disease often intensifies these ups and downs, creating persistent discomfort.
Tailored Relief for Dry Eyes (Including Sjögren’s Disease)
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for eye dryness, which is why Dr. Belgrave takes a personalized approach to treatment. Depending on the cause and severity of your symptoms, your plan may include:
💧 Prescription eye drops or lubricating artificial tears
💧 Recommendations to modify your environment or screen habits
💧 Nutritional support, including omega-3 supplements
💧 Treatments to improve tear gland function
For patients affected by Sjögren’s disease, we focus on protecting the ocular surface over time—combining prescription therapy with tear-conserving strategies and regular monitoring. The Sjögren’s Foundation offers additional education and support for patients and families. To keep tabs on subtle changes year to year, we also recommend routine checks through your Annual Eye Exam.
Relief often comes from a combination of strategies rather than a single solution. Artificial tears may be paired with lifestyle adjustments such as using humidifiers, staying well-hydrated, or taking omega-3 supplements. For Sjögren’s disease, customized care ensures each patient receives the right balance of medical treatments and supportive daily practices.
Why Trust Dr. Belgrave for Your Dry Eye Care?
With a 4.8 
rating from over 100 patients, Dr. Belgrave has earned a reputation for not only providing expert care, but also for truly listening to his patients and addressing their concerns. Patients choose Dr. Belgrave for a thoughtful, medical approach to dry eyes—from everyday irritation to complex cases related to Sjögren’s disease.
Dr. Belgrave’s advanced training at leading programs and his collaborative approach ensure you receive clear explanations, careful monitoring, and thoughtful adjustments as your eyes and needs evolve. Recognized as one of Virginia’s top ophthalmologists, he is known for combining expertise with compassion, providing patients with reliable solutions tailored to their unique circumstances. When additional health conditions are involved, coordinated care supports long-term vision protection, and many patients also benefit from the resources available on our Patient Education page.
Relief Starts Here
Dry, uncomfortable eyes don’t have to be your new normal. Whether your symptoms stem from everyday habits or Sjögren’s disease, Dr. Belgrave will tailor a plan to restore comfort and safeguard your sight. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward lasting relief from dry eyes.
