Sjogren syndrome

Use artificial tears and artificial saliva to alleviate eye and mouth dryness. This is important not only for comfort, but also to avoid serious complications, including infections of the eye and mouth, severe dental decay, disturbance of sleep, difficulty with swallowing and tasting, and difficulty speaking for extended periods.

Avoid anticholinergics, antihistamines, and diuretics since they can exacerbate eye dryness.

Do not use artificial tears containing preservatives more than 4 times daily, in order to avoid excessive exposure to the preservatives. Consider switching to a product without preservatives.

Avoid wearing dentures overnight in order to help prevent candidal infection. Clean dentures with chlorhexidine. Preventive dental care and use of fluoride-containing toothpaste is important.

Use spectacle eye shields to maintain a humid environment around the eyes.

Take regular breaks while reading.

Minimize water loss from the skin by using room humidifiers, moisturizing creams, and petroleum jelly on lips to prevent cracking and dryness.