A disorder of CONNECTIVE TISSUE, with dryness of the mouth (xerostomia) and eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) occurring in association with RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS. It occurs in approximately 10 per cent of patients with the latter condition, but it can occur – and frequently does so – independently of rheumatoid disease. The lack of tears gives rise to symptoms of dryness and grittiness of the eyes; the dry mouth can occasionally be so severe as to cause a DYSPHAGIA. The disease is due to the autoimmune destruction of the SALIVARY GLANDS and the lacrimal glands (see EYE – Lacrimal apparatus). The disorder is usually associated with specific HLA antigen groups (see HLA SYSTEM). Treatment is of the underlying disease and oral and ocular hygiene with provision of artificial tears in the form of cellulose eye drops.