Illustration symbolizing the connection between dry eyes and mental distress in Sjögren's syndrome.

Dry Eye and Mood: Unveiling the Link in Sjögren's Syndrome

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness July 2025 • 4 min read.

"Could your dry eyes be affecting your mental well-being? New research highlights the psychological impact of dry eye disease in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome."

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease primarily affecting moisture-producing glands, leading to dry eyes and dry mouth. While the physical symptoms are well-recognized, the impact of pSS extends beyond the body, significantly affecting patients' mental and emotional health.

A recent study highlighted how pSS could significantly impair the quality of life (QoL) of patients, emphasizing the importance of measuring QoL in comprehensive disease management. However, an important factor is often overlooked: the role of dry eye disease (DED) in influencing psychological status and overall quality of life in pSS patients.

This article explores the potential link between dry eye disease and psychological well-being in individuals with primary Sjögren's syndrome, shedding light on the importance of considering and managing dry eye symptoms as part of a holistic approach to patient care.

The Overlooked Impact of Dry Eye Disease on Mental Health

Illustration symbolizing the connection between dry eyes and mental distress in Sjögren's syndrome.

Dry eye disease, a common manifestation of pSS, involves autoimmune destruction of the lacrimal gland and subsequent ocular surface damage. This can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including dryness, grittiness, pain, and blurred vision. But the impact doesn't stop there.

Research suggests a significant association between DED and psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Dry eye symptoms can adversely affect both the quality of life and mental health of pSS patients, highlighting the need to address these symptoms proactively.

Autoimmune destruction of lacrimal glands causes dry eye in pSS.
Dry eye symptoms include discomfort, pain, and vision problems.
DED is linked to depression, anxiety, and stress.
Dry eye symptoms can worsen the mental health of pSS patients.

While the severity of DED might be reflected in overall pSS disease activity, studies have revealed a surprising lack of direct correlation between dry eye symptoms and clinical signs. In some cases, severe ocular surface damage can paradoxically lead to a lack of perceived discomfort due to nerve damage in the cornea.

A Call for Comprehensive Care

Given the complex interplay between dry eye disease and mental health in Sjögren's syndrome, it's crucial for healthcare professionals to adopt a comprehensive approach to patient care. This includes not only assessing and managing the physical symptoms of dry eye but also evaluating the patient's psychological status and quality of life.

Future studies should incorporate both objective measures of dry eye (tear film break-up time, Schirmer score, ocular staining) and subjective symptom assessments (discomfort, pain, dryness, grittiness) to gain a more complete understanding of the impact of DED on QoL in pSS patients. Such integrated analyses will be invaluable for determining the true burden of the disease and developing targeted interventions.

By acknowledging and addressing the psychological impact of dry eye disease, healthcare providers can significantly improve the overall well-being and quality of life for individuals living with primary Sjögren's syndrome.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.2147/ppa.s186339, Alternate LINK

Title: Dry Eye Disease Also Might Influence Psychological Status And Quality Of Life In Patients With Primary Sj&Amp;Ouml;Gren&Amp;Rsquo;S Syndrome

Subject: Health Policy

Journal: Patient Preference and Adherence

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Sang Beom Han

Published: 2018-10-01

Everything You Need To Know

How does primary Sjögren's syndrome affect more than just physical health?

Primary Sjögren's syndrome primarily impacts moisture-producing glands, resulting in dry eyes and dry mouth. However, its effects extend beyond physical symptoms. It significantly influences a patient's mental and emotional well-being. It's an autoimmune disease, meaning the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, in this case, the glands responsible for producing tears and saliva. This is why symptoms like dry eye disease are common. The chronic nature of the disease and its impact on daily comfort can lead to psychological distress.

Why is it possible for someone with primary Sjögren's syndrome to have severe dry eye disease without feeling much discomfort?

Dry eye disease, a common issue for those with primary Sjögren's syndrome, involves the autoimmune destruction of the lacrimal gland, leading to damage of the ocular surface. While the severity of dry eye disease might reflect overall primary Sjögren's syndrome disease activity, surprisingly, there isn't always a direct correlation between the experienced dry eye symptoms and clinical signs. The ocular surface damage can be severe, but, paradoxically, the patient might not perceive significant discomfort because of nerve damage in the cornea.

What mental health issues are commonly linked to dry eye disease in individuals with primary Sjögren's syndrome?

Research indicates a strong link between dry eye disease, particularly in individuals with primary Sjögren's syndrome, and mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and stress. The persistent discomfort from dry eye disease, including symptoms like dryness, grittiness, pain, and blurred vision, can substantially lower the quality of life for patients and contribute to the development or worsening of psychiatric conditions. The constant battle with physical symptoms can take a significant toll on mental well-being.

What does comprehensive care look like for someone experiencing dry eye disease and primary Sjögren's syndrome?

Healthcare professionals should adopt a comprehensive approach to caring for individuals with primary Sjögren's syndrome. This means they should evaluate and address both the physical symptoms of dry eye disease and the patient's psychological status and overall quality of life. Ignoring the mental health aspect can hinder the effectiveness of treatment. Addressing both physical and mental health concerns can lead to better outcomes and improved patient well-being. Regular screenings for depression and anxiety should be part of the standard care protocol.

What future research is needed to better understand the link between dry eye disease and mental health in primary Sjögren's syndrome?

While the impact of dry eye disease on the mental health of primary Sjögren's syndrome patients is gaining recognition, further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and identify effective interventions. Future studies could explore the specific biological pathways that connect ocular surface inflammation to mood disorders, or examine the effectiveness of various treatment strategies, including pharmacological interventions, psychological therapies, and lifestyle modifications, in improving both dry eye symptoms and mental well-being. Further research should also focus on personalized treatment plans.