Sjögren’s is a common autoimmune disease. It is a life-altering condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells and tissues. Patients often experience dry eyes, dry mouth, and fatigue but many symptoms can occur. 

About Us

The Sjögren’s clinic at UC Berkeley is one of only a few clinics nationwide that offers a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with Sjögren’s. The focus is on the prevention of disease progression that can lead to organ damage. 

Our Services

As we are a multi-specialty, collaborative clinic, a broad spectrum of symptoms and signs can be evaluated efficiently. A diagnosis will be established and a road map for management shared with the individual’s treatment team. Patients will have the opportunity to be evaluated by experts in dry eye, dry mouth, and rheumatology on the same day. Click on an item below to read more about our services.

Symptoms of Sjögren’s

The following symptoms are indicators of Sjögrens.

  • Daily, persistent, troublesome dry eyes for more than 3 months
  • Recurrent sensation of sand or gravel in the eyes
  • Use of tear substitutes more than 3 times a day
  • Daily feeling of dry mouth for more than 3 months
  • Frequently drink liquids to aid in the swallowing of dry food
  • Dental cavities
  • Fevers, night sweats, swollen salivary glands and lymph nodes, joint pain, chronic cough, inflammation of lungs, nerves, blood vessels and bladder, and ovarian failure
  • Lab tests with a positive anti-SSA/anti-SSB, low white blood cell count, elevated IgG, or monoclonal antibody

Sjögren’s Facts

Because Sjögren’s affects numerous organs, it is important for patients to be evaluated by an eye care provider, oral medicine specialist, and rheumatologist.

Four million Americans affected by Sjögren’s. 

Contact Us

Appointments can be made in person or by telephone.

Sjögren’s Clinic 
Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science
200 Minor Addition
UC Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94720

(510) 642-2020 

Clinic Chiefs 
Nancy McNamara, OD, PhD
Clinical Professor of Optometry