Effects of Sjogren's to be Topic of Free Health Talk on May 12
University of Rochester Eye Institute corneal specialist James Aquavella, M.D., professor in the Department of Ophthalmology, will lead a free community health discussion about Sjogren's syndrome at 7 p.m. Monday, May 12, at the Pittsford Community Library. The talk is sponsored by the Upstate New York Sjogren's Syndrome Support Group.
(Media-Newswire.com) - University of Rochester Eye Institute corneal specialist James Aquavella, M.D., professor in the Department of Ophthalmology, will lead a free community health discussion about Sjogren’s syndrome at 7 p.m. Monday, May 12, at the Pittsford Community Library. The talk is sponsored by the Upstate New York Sjogren’s Syndrome Support Group.
Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own moisture-producing glands. Sjogren’s is one of the most prevalent autoimmune disorders, affecting 4 million people in the United States. Nine out of 10 are women. The syndrome can impact the kidneys, GI tract, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas and the central nervous system.
Patients also very often suffer from dry eyes and dry mouth. Sjogren’s patients who experience dry eye may suffer severe discomfort such as dryness and burning, as well as visual fatigue and sensitivity to light. The issue of dry mouth can lead to dental problems such as tooth decay and difficulty with swallowing because of the lack of protective saliva.
About 50 percent of the time Sjögren's syndrome occurs with another connective tissue disease, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus, Systemic Sclerosis ( scleroderma ) and Polymyositis/Dermatomyositis.
For more information about the talk, please call ( 585 ) 582-6114.
For more media inquiries, contact: Karin Christensen ( 585 ) 275-1311 karin_christensen@urmc.rochester.edu WHAT: Free talk about Sjogren’s syndrome WHEN: 7 p.m. Monday, May 12 WHERE: Pittsford Community Library, 24 State St., Pittsford INFO: ( 585 ) 582-6114
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