If you’ve been dealing with dry, irritated eyes that never seem to get better, you might assume it’s just a part of life in Suffolk—whether it’s from the changing seasons, too much screen time, or simply getting older. But for some, dry eye isn’t just an occasional nuisance—it’s a chronic condition linked to an underlying autoimmune disorder called Sjogren’s syndrome.

How Sjogren’s Syndrome Causes Dry Eye

Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that primarily targets the body’s moisture-producing glands, including the salivary glands and tear glands. That’s why many people with Sjogren’s experience both dry mouth and dry eyes. The immune system mistakenly attacks the lacrimal glands, reducing tear production and leading to symptoms like:
 

• Burning, stinging, or gritty sensations in the eyes
   

• Redness and irritation
   

• Blurry vision that improves with blinking
   

• Sensitivity to light
   

• Increased discomfort after reading or using screens

Since healthy tears contain a balance of water, oils, and mucus, anything that disrupts this system—such as inflammation caused by Sjogren’s—can lead to a chronic dry eye condition. Many people in Suffolk who deal with this find themselves constantly reaching for artificial tears, only to get temporary relief.

Why Traditional Dry Eye Treatments Often Fall Short

If you’ve tried artificial tears, warm compresses, or even prescription eye drops and still struggle with dry eye symptoms, you’re not imagining things. These treatments mainly focus on adding moisture to the eyes but don’t address the underlying inflammation that’s causing the problem.

For those with Sjogren’s syndrome, the issue often isn’t just a lack of tears—it’s also that the tear film isn’t stable due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). These tiny glands along the eyelid margins produce oils that prevent tears from evaporating too quickly. When they become clogged or inflamed (which is common in autoimmune conditions), dry eye symptoms get worse.

How IPL Therapy Provides Long-Lasting Relief

This is where Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy comes in. Originally developed for dermatology, IPL has gained recognition in the eye care field for its ability to reduce inflammation and restore proper function to the meibomian glands.

Here’s how IPL works:
 

• Light pulses target inflammation – The treatment delivers precise light pulses that penetrate the skin around the eyes, reducing inflammation and helping to break down blockages in the meibomian glands.
   

• Stimulates oil production – As the glands start functioning better, they can produce the oils necessary to stabilize the tear film and prevent rapid tear evaporation.
   

• Improves blood circulation – Better circulation helps the eye’s surface heal and reduces redness and irritation.
   

• Reduces dependency on artificial tears – Many patients who undergo IPL therapy find that they need fewer eye drops and experience longer-lasting relief.

What to Expect from IPL Treatment

At Clarity Vision, we offer IPL therapy as a non-invasive, in-office treatment. The procedure is quick, typically taking about 15–20 minutes per session, and most patients require a series of treatments for the best results. You might feel a mild warming sensation during the treatment, but there’s no downtime—you can return to your daily activities immediately.

Many of our patients with Sjogren’s-related dry eye have seen a significant improvement in their symptoms after completing IPL therapy. If you’re tired of dealing with constant discomfort and artificial tears that only offer short-lived relief, IPL could be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Find Real Relief for Dry Eye at Clarity Vision

Living with Sjogren’s-related dry eye can be exhausting, but you don’t have to settle for discomfort. We’re committed to providing advanced, effective treatments that help you see and feel better.

If you’re battling with dry eye symptoms, schedule a consultation with Clarity Vision to learn more on how IPL can work for you. Visit our office in Suffolk, Virginia, or call (757) 638-2015 to book an appointment today.