Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca: Symptoms, Reasons And Treatment

Dry eye syndrome, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly.

This can lead to discomfort and irritation. Various factors contribute to this condition, such as aging, hormonal changes, medications, and environmental factors.

Understanding the underlying causes of dry eye syndrome can help in managing and preventing its symptoms. By addressing these factors, individuals can work towards maintaining healthy and comfortable eyes.

Types of Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

There are two types of keratoconjunctivitis sicca: aqueous-deficient and evaporative. Aqueous-deficient occurs when the lacrimal glands don't produce enough tears, leading to dry eyes. Evaporative results from poor-quality tears evaporating too quickly.

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Primary Sjögren's syndrome-associated keratoconjunctivitis sicca: This type of dry eye disease occurs in individuals with autoimmune disorder Sjögren's syndrome, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the glands that produce tears and saliva, leading to dryness of the eyes.
Medication-induced keratoconjunctivitis sicca: Certain medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants, can cause side effect by reducing tear production or affecting the quality of tears, resulting in discomfort and irritation in the eyes.
Contact lens-induced keratoconjunctivitis sicca: Prolonged use of contact lenses can lead to dry eyes due.

Both types can cause symptoms like dryness, irritation, and blurred vision. Proper diagnosis and treatment can help manage these conditions effectively.

What are the Symptoms of Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca?

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or dry eye syndrome, can cause symptoms like dryness, redness, irritation, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light.

Proper diagnosis and treatment by an eye care professional are essential to manage these symptoms effectively and improve eye comfort.

Dry or gritty sensation in the eyes: making them feel uncomfortable and irritated.
Excessive tearing or watery eyes: which may seem counterintuitive to the dryness but is a common symptom of the condition.
Blurred vision: particularly when reading or focusing on objects, due to inadequate tear film for clear vision.
Sensitivity to light (photophobia): causing discomfort or pain when exposed to bright lights or sunlight.
Redness of the eyes: often accompanied by a feeling of soreness or a burning sensation.

Causes of Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

Insufficient tear production or poor quality tears can lead to dry, irritated eyes, discomfort, and vision disturbances. Proper diagnosis and management are essential for relief and prevention of complications.

The most prevalent source of keratoconjunctivitis sicca is aging, with tearing generation usually diminishing with advancing age and causing dryness of the eyes.
Some medicines, especially antihistamines, decongestants and antidepressants, can cause dry eye symptoms as an adverse effect, leading to keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
Environmental factors like dry and windy climates, air conditioning, and prolonged screen time can exacerbate dry eye symptoms and lead to keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
Systemic conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus can be underlying causes of keratoconjunctivitis sicca due to their

Risk Factors

Risk factors for keratoconjunctivitis sicca include aging, hormonal changes (especially in women), certain medical conditions like autoimmune diseases (e.g., Sjogren's syndrome), medications (such as antihistamines and decongestants), environmental factors (e.g., dry climate, smoke), and prolonged screen time.

Contact lens wear, vitamin A deficiency, and certain occupations that involve prolonged visual tasks may also contribute to the development of dry eye syndrome.
Aging is a common risk factor for keratoconjunctivitis sicca, as tear production tends to decrease with age, leading to dry eyes.
Environmental factors such as dry climates, windy conditions, or exposure to smoke can contribute to the development of keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
Certain medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants, can cause dry eye symptoms as a side effect.
Systemic conditions such as autoimmune diseases like Sjögren's syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis are associated with an increased risk of developing keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

Diagnosis of Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

Special tests may be done, like measuring tear volume and quality. By evaluating these factors:

Schirmer's test: This diagnostic method involves placing a small strip of filter paper inside the lower eyelid to measure the amount of tears produced over a certain period.
Tear breakup time (TBUT): TBUT test evaluates how long it takes for tears to break up on the surface of the eye, indicating the stability of the tear film.
Fluorescein staining: In this test, a special dye called fluorescein is applied to the eye's surface to detect areas of dryness or damage on the cornea.
Osmolarity testing: Osmolarity measures the concentration of solutes in the tear film, helping to assess the overall health of the tear film and diagnose dry eye syndrome.

Your doctor can determine after the test results, if you have keratoconjunctivitis sicca and recommend appropriate treatment options to help manage your condition effectively.

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Treatment for Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

Treatment for dry eye syndrome may include artificial tears, prescription eye drops, ointments, or punctal plugs to help retain moisture. Warm compresses and eyelid hygiene can also alleviate symptoms.

Artificial tears: One of the most common treatments for keratoconjunctivitis sicca involves using artificial tears to lubricate and hydrate the eyes, providing relief from dryness and discomfort.
Prescription eye drops: In cases where over-the-counter artificial tears are not sufficient, prescription eye drops such as cyclosporine or lifitegrast may be recommended by a healthcare provider to reduce inflammation and improve tear production.
Punctal plugs: For individuals with severe dry eye symptoms, punctal plugs can be inserted into the tear ducts to block drainage, helping to keep the eyes moist by preserving natural tears.
Omega-3 supplements: Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into the diet through supplements or

In some cases, special contact lenses or procedures like LipiFlow may be recommended. Lifestyle changes, such as staying hydrated and taking breaks from screen time, can also help manage dry eyes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca commonly causes dry, itchy eyes, a sensation of foreign objects in the eyes, and redness. It may also lead to blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and excessive tearing as the body attempts to compensate for dryness. Seek treatment at Medicover Hospitals if symptoms persist.

To manage keratoconjunctivitis sicca, avoid environmental irritants like smoke and wind. Use artificial tears regularly and stay hydrated. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as it may worsen the condition. For professional guidance, Medicover Hospitals offers expert care for eye-related concerns.

In the long run, untreated keratoconjunctivitis sicca can lead to corneal damage, visual impairment, and increased risk of eye infections. Early intervention at Medicover Hospitals can help prevent further complications and preserve eye health.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is managed with artificial tears, prescription eye drops, ointments, or oral medications to improve tear production and reduce symptoms.

Yes, keratoconjunctivitis sicca can return even after successful treatment, especially if underlying causes are not addressed. Regular check-ups at Medicover Hospitals can help manage the condition and prevent recurrence.

To relieve dryness, use artificial tear drops, take breaks from screen time, and stay in well-humidified environments. Avoid direct air drafts and smoking. If symptoms persist, Medicover Hospitals can offer treatments tailored to your eye care needs.