What diseases might be associated with dry eye?

Aug. 24, 2009— -- Question: What diseases might be associated with dry eye?

Answer: So I said before that it could be the quantity of tears or quality and in the quantity category for eyes just really not producing much tears, there is a condition that also affects the salivary glands where your mouth is really dry. So if your lacrimal gland and salivary gland are affected you may have Sjogren's syndrome.

So I often ask my patients who I see very low tear production: Do you have trouble swallowing? If you chew a piece of bread can you swallow it or do you have to wash it down. And if I suspect they might have this Sjogren's syndrome then I will ask them to see their general doctor.