Keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS is an eye disease caused by decreased tear production or increased tear film evaporation commonly found in people and small animals. A more common term is "dry eyes".
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is Latin and the literal translation is "dryness of the cornea and conjunctiva". In man, the typical symptoms are sandy-gritty eye irritation that gets worse as the day goes on. The symptoms are caused by a loss of water from the tears that results in tears that are too "salty" or hypertonic. The best treatment strategies are designed to rehydrate the tears and eye surface, and include hypotonic, electrolyte-balanced tears, punctal plugs, and moist chamber spectacles. The inflammation that ocurrs in response to tears film hypertonicity can be suppressed by mild topical steroids or immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine, but these treatments have not been shown to help symptoms. In animals thicker medications are needed because most owners cannot reapply eye medicines more than 3-4 times a day.
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is Latin and its literal translation is "dryness of the cornea and conjunctiva".
Dryeyes also occurs or gets worse after LASIK and other refractive surgeries, in which the corneal nerves are cut during the creation of a corneal flap.
Consumption of dietary omega-3 fatty acids is associated with a decreased incidence of dryeyes syndrome in women.
Dryeye syndrome is a chronic lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture in the eye.
Dryeyes are also a symptom of systemic diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, rosacea or Sjogren's syndrome (a triad of dryeyes, dry mouth, and rheumatoid arthritis or lupus).
Dryeye syndrome is an ongoing condition that may not be cured (depends on the cause), but the accompanying dryness, scratchiness and burning can be managed.
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