What causes dry eyes?

What are the causes of dry mouth and dry eyes?

• Answer:

  Dry eyes and/or dry mouth are common symptoms that can be caused by a number of different things. However, a consistent combination of dry eyes and dry mouth could mean you are suffering with Sjögren's Syndrome.What Is Sjögren's Syndrome?Sjögren's Syndrome is a chronic immune system disorder that damages and destroys glands that produce moisture.StatisticsOver 4 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with Sjögren's Syndrome.SusceptibilityThis disorder occurs frequently in people over 40 years of age and is more prevalent in women than men.SymptomsOther symptoms may include joint and muscle pain, fatigue, blurred vision, dry skin and gastrointestinal problems.TreatmentThere is no cure for this disorder, but it can be treated. Good oral hygiene, proper rest, exercise and eye drops may alleviate some symptoms. Over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol®, Motrin®, or Aleve®, work effectively in treating muscle and joint pain. Salagen® and Evoxac® are prescription medications that stimulate the salivary glands to produce saliva.Source:http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2006-mchi/3514.htmlhttp://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/arthritis-sjogrens-syndrome?page=2