Keratoconjunctivitis sicca – Dry eye syndrome symptoms, diagnostics, risk factors – Dry eye syndrome treatment

Keratoconjunctivitis dry (Keratitis dry; Dry Eye Syndrome)

What is dry eye syndrome?

Keratokonъyunktyvyt – state, wherein the membrane on the surface of the eye, which is called the conjunctiva, It becomes red and inflamed. The most common form of this disease is keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye syndrome). The disease occurs, when the surface of the eye becomes dry due to the absence or lack of tears, moisturizing eye.

Dry eye syndrome causes

There are two main reasons, cause keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The first of these is, that stands out from the tear ducts insufficient amount of tears, moisturizing eye, whereby the front surface of the eye (conjunctivitis) Dries.

Besides, the amount of tears can be sufficient, but they evaporate too quickly. In this case, tears can not cover the entire surface of the eye.

Risk factors for dry eye syndrome

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is more common in women. Factors, which may increase the likelihood of keratoconjunctivitis sicca include:

• With age, the production of tears decreases, This factor is common for older people, so they often there is some degree of dryness in the eyes;
• Some chronic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren syndrome;
• Some medications, such as:
  • Diuretics;
  • Beta Blockers;
  • Antihistamines;
• Rarely: Vitamin A deficiency can have some influence on the development of keratoconjunctivitis sicca or other serious eye problems;
• Operation with it by using a laser vision correction, eg, LASIK.

Dry eye syndrome symptoms

The main symptom of keratoconjunctivitis sicca is discomfort in the eyes. This soreness can range from mild to severe. Some other symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis sicca include:

• Burning sensation, itching or the presence of a foreign body in the eye;
• Sensitivity to light;
• Redness or irritation of the conjunctiva;
• Discomfort in the presence of contact lenses.

In most cases only causes discomfort keratoconjunctivitis. Nonetheless, in severe cases, dry eye can damage the cornea. In this case, there is a risk of blindness – irreversible vision loss.

The diagnosis of dry eye

The most common diagnosis of keratoconjunctivitis sicca puts optometrist – doctor, who specializes in diseases of the eye. The causes of discomfort can be identified using specialized equipment, allowing a closer look at the surface of the eye.

Special tests may include:

• Research eye with a slit lamp – ophthalmologist may use a special light called a slit lamp or biomicroscope, to examine the degree of wetting the surface of the eye;
• Colouration – ophthalmologist may use a special dye to assess the state of the front surface of the eye;
• Schirmer's test for dry eye – This test involves placing a small piece of paper into the conjunctival sac of the lower eyelid, for output estimation lacrimal fluid.

Dry eye syndrome treatment

Treatment for keratoconjunctivitis sicca is often simple and very effective. This includes maintaining the eye moist and stimulation of natural tear production. Methods of treatment of dry eye include:

• Eye drops – also known as artificial tears, imitating natural eye tears. They provide relief of discomfort, caused by dry keratoconjunctivitis, and help maintain the natural moisture of the eye;
• Eye ointment – similar to artificial tears, but there are longer, than eyedrops. They are used for eye moisturizing in severe cases, keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Nonetheless, due to its structure may cause blurring of. For this reason, they are usually used at night, before bedtime;
• Closed tear ducts duct plugs – in some cases it may be helpful to place a tiny tube of silicone or collagen, to reduce the outflow of tears from the surface of the eye. It's pretty quick and painless procedure. Often, your doctor may place a temporary plug, to ensure its effectiveness. By reducing the symptoms set constant probka.Inogda doctor may also permanently close the tear tubule with a laser or cautery;
• Eye drops, prescription doctor – sometimes used cyclosporin eyedrops, allowing to increase the production of tears. This medication should be taken twice a day, everyday. Usually, there is a marked improvement after a few weeks or months;
• Nutritional supplements – Some studies show a reduction of dry eye after adding ration of omega-3 fatty acids.

Prevention of keratoconjunctivitis sicca

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca not be prevented. However, you can prevent the complications of keratoconjunctivitis sicca, infections such as. To reduce the risk of the disease worsening:

• Avoid very dry environment – furnaces and air conditioners can dry the air, and the tears evaporate too quickly. You can use a humidifier, to prevent dry eyes;
• Dust and smoke may worsen the symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis sicca – if possible, you need to limit the exposure of the eye irritants;
• Avoid prolonged eyestrain – prolonged work at the computer, driving, TV viewing and reading may worsen symptoms;
• Use artificial tears – it is important to prevent the drying surface of the eye.

In most cases it is not severe keratoconjunctivitis Disease, only causing irritation, and presenting a real danger to the eye. Nonetheless, it is important to perform the assessment and diagnosis of disorders, to prevent a dangerous impact of the disease.