<aside> ⌛ Sjogren syndrome is characterized by inflammation of the exocrine glands, commonly presenting with dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) and dry mouth (xerostomia). Decreased tear volume leads to a hyperosmolar state on the surface of the eye, resulting in irritative symptoms and promoting an inflammatory response. Complications include decreased visual acuity, infection, corneal ulceration, and corneal perforation.

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• A patient with chronic dry eye symptoms (eg, discomfort, grittiness, foreign body sensation) that are often worse in windy conditions or when doing tasks associated with decreased blinking (eg, reading, computer work). In assoclation with the patient's dry oral membranes (eg, cracked lips), these symptoms suggest Sjögren syndrome (SS).
• SS is an autoimmune disorder characterized by a lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate in the exocrine glands and can present with dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca — aqueous deficient type) and dry mouth (xerostomia). It may occur independently or as a manifestation of another autoimmune disorder (eg, systemic sclerosis. Onset is typically in middle age, and a majority of patients have a positive antinuclear antibody assay.
• Decreased tear volume in SS leads to a hyperosmolar state on the surface of the eye, resulting in irritative symptoms and promoting an inflammatory response. Potential complications include decreased visual acuity, superficial infection, corneal ulceration, and, occasionally, corneal perforation. Initial management includes artificial tears, humidifiers, and eyeglasses with occlusive barriers around the eyes
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a potential complication of Sjögren syndrome, which typically presents with dry mouth and eyes.  Labial salivary gland biopsy demonstrates extensive lymphoid infiltrate with atrophy of the acinar glands.