Information on Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca or "dry eye" is an eye disease caused by abnormal tear production. Tears help clean, nourish, reduce bacteria, and help in healing. Tears are especially important to the cornea of the eye. The cornea is the transparent, dome shaped, covering over the eye. The cornea is usually clear and shiny because it doesn't have any blood vessels; that way light can shine through uninterrupted. There is also thought to be a connection between hypothyroidism and dry eye.

Sulfa-containing drugs can produce a toxic effect and cause dry eye; stopping the use of these drugs might result in improvement of the dry eye condition but in some cases the condition is irreversible. Loss of nerve impulses to the gland due to long-standing ear infections and other nerve disorders will cause a unilateral (one sided) dry eye often combined with a dry nose in some cases. Symptoms of dry eyes include irritation, burning, itching, a pulling sensation, pressure behind the eye, and a feeling like something is in the eye. Damage to the surface of the eye increases discomfort and sensitivity to bright light.

Symptoms are worsened by activities in which the rate of blinking is reduced, specifically those that engage prolonged use of the eyes, such as reading, working on a computer, driving, or watching television. Symptoms are also bad in dusty or smoky areas and dry environments, such as in airplanes or in shopping malls; on days with low humidity; and in areas where air conditioners (especially in the car), fans, or heaters are being used. Certain drugs can worsen symptoms, including isotretinoin tranquilizers, diuretics, antihypertensives, oral contraceptives, and antihistamines.

There are several objectives in treating dry eye. Cyclosporine ophthalmic ointment or drops are most frequently used to treat this condition. Another eye preparation, tacrolimus, is also used and may be helpful when cyclosporine is not. Application of synthetic tears every few hours can provide temporary relief. Topical antibiotic eye drops like neomycin-bacitracin-polymyxin (NPD). Using an antibiotic drop will help keep bacterial growth under control. It is also important to keep the eyes wiped clean with a warm wash cloth. Minor surgery can be done to block the flow of tears into the nose, so that more tears are available to bathe the eyes.