How is primary Sjogrens syndrome diagnosed?
The diagnosis of Sjogren’s syndrome is based on several factors, including: • Presence of dry eyes and mouth • Dry eyes can be detected by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) by measuring tear production or carefully examining the cornea (clear part of the eye). • Certain laboratory tests also suggest that dry eyes and mouth are caused by autoimmune mechanisms • Examples include the presence of auto antibodies in the blood, known as anti-SSA or anti-SSB (also known as anti-Ro or anti-La). • Biopsy of the inner lip (performed in some cases to prove the diagnosis of primary Sjogren’s syndrome). The biopsy may show inflammation damaging salivary glands.
