causes of dry eyes?

[needhonesthelp]

I have been suffering from dry eyes for over 5 weeks.  I have been very concerned about Sjogrens because my mother has been clinically diagnosed recently.  The main reason this is concerning me is because I have some other symptoms too that make me worry...dry mouth when talking, fatigue, achiness in legs, and some others.  However, my blood work all looks normal at this time too.

When I went to see an Optometrist regarding my dry eyes, I explained to him my situation.  I recently got a cold and noticed my eyes were irritated around the same time.  I did notice my eyes were slightly red a couple nights about 2 weeks earlier, but they felt fine.  Then they looked normal again.  Anyway, they really started getting scratchy, red, irritated and burned over the first week of my cold.  By the 2nd week they felt awful.  Since this time they still feel dry and it has been over 5 wks.  The Optometrist originally told me it may be caused by the cold and can take weeks and weeks to get back to normal.  He did refer me to an Opthamologist in the group.

The Opthamologist did a shirmers and it was very low.  He did not give me a cause for the dry eyes and said a cold or virus doesn't cause this problem.  Yet I have read that viruses can cause symptoms in the eyes.  Why would the Optometrist have a different opinion?  I'm just really confused.  I did start restasis and it hasn't done anything yet (only 2 weeks).

My questions are- 1)what could possible cause dry eyes in a 30 yr old male?  I'm not on any meds that would cause this.  2) Can a virus cause this problem? And would it take some time for my body to get back to normal if at all?  3) What are the chances this is Sjogrens based on normal blood work, yet suffering from dry eyes and the other symptoms I mentioned?

I am just struggling to get a clear understanding and the Opthamologist I saw wasn't very helpful or friendly.  Your expert thoughts are appreciated!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[needhonesthelp]

My doc did order a RF, ANA, SSA, SSB, CBC, TSH, C-Reactive, ESR, LFT, BMP, and urinalysis.  Everything is normal.  My WBC count was a little low but it is normally on the low level of normal.  My PCP didn't seem concerned.

So you are saying that cold medicines can cause dry eyes but not the cold itself...

The Optometrist said he has seen people in his practice present with dry eyes during and after a virus and then get better weeks later.  He said some virsuses can effect people's glands and cause dryness.  Is this incorrect?

Is there any hope that my dry eyes may get back to normal and I do not have a chronic problem?  I'm not asking for you to diagnose me but just from experience.  I have this really bad feeling I have an autoimmune disease because of other symptoms but I have been dealing with a lot of stress and worry too.  

I'm guessing worrying, stress, and anxiety do not cause dry eyes...

You final thoughts are appreciated based on my last questions.  I'll follow up with specialists as needed.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

1. You are not the common demographic for dry eyes but it can happen. Cold and sinus mediciation often drys eyes. And sometimes its just bad luck.

2. If you eye exam did not show viral infection or corneal infiltrates which neither the MD or OD saw its unlikely.

3. Read this reference and discuss with your personal physician ordering the appropraite lab

http://www.emedicine.com/EMERG/topic537.htm

JCH IIII MD