Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is also known as dry eye syndrome. It can be caused by certain medications such as beta-blockers and antihistamines, allergies, autoimmune disorders, tear production disorders, and menopause. Dry eye syndrome is very common; however, it is essential that you make an ophthalmology appointment with your eye doctor to determine the underlying cause. Here are some common symptoms and effective treatments options for keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca Symptoms
Symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis sicca typically include burning sensations in the eyes, scratchiness, grittiness, and feeling like you have sand in your eyes. You may also develop photophobia, which refers to light sensitivity, as well as blurred vision, eye drainage, and redness. Further, your eyes may itch and you may be unable to comfortably wear your contact lenses.
Some people also experience excessive tearing. However, the tears that are produced as a result of keratoconjunctivitis sicca may not be the type of quality tears that help lubricate your eyes. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca may also increase your risk for eye infections because when your tear production is not sufficient enough to wash away ocular bacteria, germs may remain in the eye, resulting in infection.
Treatments For Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca
Treatments for keratoconjunctivitis sicca often include artificial tears eye drops to help augment your tear supply. Other eye drops your ophthalmology professional may recommend are those that increase the amount of tears that your eyes produce and eye drops to relieve redness, irritation, and burning. If you have developed an eye infection as a result of dry eyes, antibiotic drops or ointments may also be prescribed.
Your eye doctor may also recommend a procedure to help prevent your tears from quickly draining from your tear glands. This procedure consists of the placement of punctal plugs in your tear ducts. In addition, your eye doctor may recommend that you increase your fluid intake to help promote tear production and eat more foods that contain healthy fats, such as almonds, walnuts, fresh fish, and avocados, to help lubricate the dry tissues of your eyes including the cornea and conjunctival sacs.
Wearing sunglasses when outside in direct sunlight may help prevent dry eye-related light sensitivity and wearing your glasses instead of your contact lenses will help lower the risk for corneal abrasions related to keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
If you develop any symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis sicca, make an appointment with your ophthalmologist. When dry eye syndrome is treated promptly, complications such as infection and corneal injuries may be less likely to occur.
Contact an ophthalmology center for more information.
Share24 February 2022
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