Definition
Dry eye syndrome is when the tear glands produce fewer tears.
See also:
Alternative Names
Keratitis sicca; Xerophthalmia; Keratoconjunctivitis siccaCauses, incidence, and risk factors
Dry eye syndrome often occurs in people who are otherwise healthy. It is more common with older age, because you produce fewer tears with age. In rare cases, it can be associated with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, and other similar diseases. It may also be caused by thermal or chemical burns.
In areas of the world where malnutrition is common, vitamin A deficiency is a common cause. This is rare in the United States.
Symptoms
Signs and tests
An ophthalmologist can look at the film of tears on your eye using a slit lamp (biomicroscope). A dye such as fluorescein may be placed in the eye to make the tear film more visible. Your health care provider may do a Schirmer's test, measuring the rate of tear production using a calibrated paper wick placed on the edge of the eyelid.
Your eye's cornea may be thick. You may have reduced visual acuity.
Treatment
Wetting drops called artificial tears may be used for treatment. Lubricating ointments may help more severe cases. Tiny plugs may be placed in the tear drainage ducts to help the tears remain on the surface of the eye.
Support Groups
Expectations (prognosis)
Most patients with dry eye have only discomfort, and no vision loss. With severe cases, the cornea (clear window on the front of the eye) may become damaged or infected.
Complications
Ulcers or infections of the cornea are serious complications.
Calling your health care provider
See your health care provider immediately if you have dry eyes and have a sudden increase in discomfort or redness, or a sudden decrease in vision.
Prevention
There is no way to prevent keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Complications can be prevented by use of wetting and lubricating drops and ointments.
Images
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's
accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous
standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and
services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial
policy, editorial
process, and privacy
policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch.)
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment
of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.
Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those
other sites.
©1997-2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or
distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.