In the meantime, if you are using eye drops, the eye doctor I use recommends you use preservative-free eyedrops. He also recommends you us the single vial type to keep potential contamination from occurring. One last thing, keep your eyedrops in the refrigerator. Using cold eyedrops is way more soothing than room temperature drops.

The medical term I have seen associated with dry eyes is Sjogren's Disease. It is very common with autoimmune diseases. When you have an autoimmune disease, it isn't very cut and dry for the doctors to label the diagnosis. My Mom died of a severe case of Lupus at 59 and she also has Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Initially, I was diagnosed with RA and then diagnosis has since been adjusted and now it is Systemic Scleroderma (SSc) and RA. The damage to my body is all internal except when I have a "Flare." SSc is usually associated with hard skin but I don't have that. I look like I am "normal" but the diseases are very painful.

I have dry eyes too. Mine is related to an autoimmune disease. Typically, if you have dry eyes you may find you have a dry mouth too. If so, you need to keep up with your dental care or you may find yourself toothless in the future. Dry mouth increases the likelihood of cavities and other dental problems.

Debbie you need to see an eye dr. I have had dry eyes for years using over the counter drops. I had my eyes exam recently and the dr ordered a prescription eye drops that would help creat more fluid. Wow what a change! I no longer have the dry eye syndrome. What a blessing!

I also have a prescription for medication that increases the amount of saliva and tears your body makes. My Rheumatologist wrote me a prescription for Cevimeline HCl, 30 Mg, take one capsule three times per day. The medication has helped me a lot and has saved my teeth! It will also increase the amount of tears your body makes.