| Disease | Injury | Nutrition | Poison |
| Special Topic | Surgery | Symptoms | Test |
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| Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention |
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca |
| Definition: |
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is a persistent dryness of the cornea and conjunctiva due to decreased function of the tear glands or increased evaporation of tears. The cornea may be thickened and visual acuity may be decreased. See also conjunctivitis, decreased tearing, vitamin A deficiency, and Sjogren syndrome. |
| Alternative Names: |
| Keratitis sicca; Xerophthalmia; Dry eye syndrome |
| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: |
Dry eye syndrome usually occurs in people who are otherwise healthy. It is more common with older age, because tear production decreases with age. In rare cases, it can be associated with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosis, and other similar diseases. It may also be caused by thermal or chemical burns. |
Reviewed By: Raymond S. Douglas M.D., Ph.D. Department of Ophthalmology, UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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