2. Eyes Devoid of Tears: The Ever-Present Gritty Sensation Plaguing Sjogren’s Patients
The beauty of eyes lies not only in their appearance but also in their intricate functionalities. While we appreciate their role in vision, we often overlook the importance of tears until their absence brings discomfort. For those experiencing Sjogren’s, the eyes narrate tales of incessant dryness and a relentless gritty sensation.
Tears are more than just water. They are a blend of oils, mucus, and water, intricately balanced to provide the eyes their required moisture and protect them from external invaders. However, Sjogren’s disrupts this harmony, leading to tears that either evaporate too swiftly or are insufficient in their protective constituents.
The consequences? A constant sandy sensation that’s both bothersome and occasionally painful. Bright lights, once sources of joy or mere utilities, now appear as glaring adversaries, demanding a squint or sometimes even a complete avoidance. Activities, as simple as reading a book or watching a sunset, come with their set of challenges. (2)
