Can stem cell therapy help treat dry eye in Sjogren's syndrome?
Stem cell therapy is an experimental approach for treating dry eye in Sjögren's syndrome. Early studies, including small clinical trials and a systematic review, show that stem cell-based treatments can improve symptoms and signs of dry eye. However, these treatments are not yet approved for routine clinical use, and larger, longer-term studies are needed to confirm their safety and effectiveness.
What the research says
A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of five studies involving 114 patients found that stem cell therapy significantly improved dry eye symptoms, as measured by the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, which decreased by an average of 15 points 1. The treatment also increased tear film stability, with the non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT) improving by 3.26 seconds 1. However, changes in corneal staining (Oxford score) were not statistically significant 1.
A first-in-human pilot trial tested umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) eye drops in 16 patients with refractory dry eye, including 5 with Sjögren's syndrome 6. Patients used the drops twice daily for two weeks. The treatment was safe and led to improvements in OSDI scores, tear meniscus height, and corneal staining at 4 weeks and 12 months 6. Another randomized trial tested topical MSC-derived exosomes (tiny particles from stem cells) in 8 eyes with Sjögren's-related dry eye 8. After two weeks of twice-daily drops, patients showed significant improvements in OSDI scores, tear secretion, and tear film stability at 3 months compared to placebo 8.
A 2023 review of Sjögren's syndrome treatments notes that mesenchymal stem cell therapy is an emerging experimental strategy, but clinical research on Sjögren's is still limited compared to other autoimmune diseases 7. The review emphasizes that targeted therapies with fewer side effects should be a focus of future research 7.
What to ask your doctor
- Are there any clinical trials of stem cell therapy for dry eye in Sjögren's syndrome that I might be eligible for?
- What are the potential risks and benefits of experimental stem cell treatments compared to standard dry eye therapies?
- How do stem cell eye drops differ from other advanced treatments like autologous serum drops?
- Should I consider any other emerging therapies for Sjögren's-related dry eye that have more evidence?
- What are the current standard treatments for dry eye in Sjögren's syndrome, and are they sufficient for my symptoms?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about Rheumatology and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.