Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca or Dry Eye Syndrome is an eye disease due to reduced production on tear in the organ. It is commonly seen in people above the age of 40 years in the United States. This article tries to gain further insight on this eye condition.
Symptoms of Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca or Dry Eye Syndrome:
- Dryness
- Burning
- Itchiness
- Stingy or tired eyes
- Scratchy eyes
- Redness
- Pulling sensation
- Pain
- Pressure behind the eyes
- Presence of foreign bodies
- Sensitivity to light
- Water from eyes
- Stringy discharge from the eyes
These signs increase in high altitudes, dry environment, dusty, windy and smoky areas and near fan, heater, drier or air conditioner. In rainy, foggy or cool weather the signs reduce.
Causes of Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca or Dry Eye Syndrome:
- Congenital alacrima – Deficiency of secretion of tears
- Lacrimal gland ablation –
- Sensory denervation
- Xerophthalmia
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Wegener’s granulomatosis
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Being diabetic
- Normal ageing
- Drooping eyelids
- Vitamin A deficiency
- LASIK or refractive surgeries
- Use of contact lens
Use of drugs like sedatives, antidepressants, anti hypersensitive, diuretics, oral contraceptives, beta-blockers and nasal decongestants.
Treatment of Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca or Dry Eye Syndrome:
There is no way to prevent this chronic condition. Most of the patients suffer from mild to moderate forms of this condition. Adequate relief is provided by the use of lubricating drops and ointments. Eating fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids can reduce dry eyes in women.
Restasis is a drug approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in the year 2002 to reduce swelling on the eye surface. One drop of this drug is put on each eye with twice a day with a difference of 12 hours. Some of the side effects of the usage of this drop are watery eyes, burning sensation, eye pain, redness, blurred vision, discharge, foreign body sensation, itching and stinging.
To treat severe types of this condition, the Boston Scleral Lens can be used. It is a customized lens. This lens rests on the white of the eye creating a layer of fluid over the cornea. This prevents dryness of eyes.
