eye disorders
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca
Key Points
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is chronic, bilateral desiccation of the conjunctiva and cornea caused by too little tear production or accelerated tear evaporation. Typical symptoms include intermittent itching; burning; blurring, a gritty, pulling, or foreign body sensation; and photosensitivity. Findings include conjunctival hyperemia and often scattered, fine, punctate loss of corneal epithelium (superficial punctate keratitis) and conjunctival epithelium. The Schirmer test and tear breakup test may help determine whether the cause is deficient tear production or accelerated tear evaporation. Usingartificial tearsand avoiding corneal drying are usually sufficient treatment, but sometimes occlusion of the nasolacrimal punctum or partial tarsorrhaphy is indicated. Treatment of concomitant blepharitis is often beneficial. 