Signs & Symptoms: Dry Eyes & Achy Joints

Healthy eyes have continual protection offered by a film of tears which preserves comfortable, clear vision. Dry eyes are caused by abnormal fluid production in the tear glands and may occur in men or women of varying ages. According to the Mayo Clinic, dry eyes are associated with several potential medical conditions. Dry eyes accompanied by aching joints may be indicative of a condition such as Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

Sjogren's Syndrome

• Sjogren’s syndrome is an immune disorder which initially affects the glands and mucous membranes in the eyes and mouth which secrete moisture. Dry, burning and itchy eyes which feel as though there is sand or grittiness in them is one of the foremost symptoms of the disorder. Additional Sjogren’s syndrome symptoms include swelling, stiffness and pain in the joints.

  According to the Mayo Clinic, women are more likely than men to develop Sjogren’s syndrome and it is more commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 40. Sjogren’s syndrome is frequently initially treated with medications to manage symptoms such as eye drops to lubricate the eyes, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to alleviate joint pain, or medications such as cevimeline which may increase saliva and tear production. Tear duct surgery is also possible to alleviate dry eyes.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder which causes the affected person’s immune system to wreak havoc on the rest of the person’s body. The disorder is characterized by joint pain, swelling, warmth and redness which occur on both sides of the body. Additionally, rheumatoid arthritis can affect other areas of the body, such as the tear ducts (causing dry eyes).

  According to the Mayo Clinic, RA is between two and three times more likely to occur in a woman than a man and most commonly emerges between the ages of 40 to 60. There is no cure for RA; however, medications can be used to alleviate discomfort, minimize joint damage and control the immune system. Additional treatments include physical therapy and surgery to repair joints which are damaged.

Lupus

• There are four kinds of lupus including drug-induced, neonatal, discoid lupus erythematosus and, the most common form, systemic lupus erythematosus. The disease may be mild or severe and cause symptoms such as joint pain and dry eyes accompanied by changes in weight, fatigue, fever, a rash in the shape of a butterfly over the cheeks and nose, hair loss and mouth sores.

  Lupus treatments are frequently based on individual symptoms. NSAIDs, corticosteroids and anti-malarial medications are commonly used to combat the disease and alleviate joint pain and discomfort. Topical medications may be used to treat skin rash and patients with more aggressive forms of the disease may need stronger medications or higher doses.