DRY EYES (KERATOCONJUCTIVITIS SICCA-KCS)

DRY EYES (KERATOCONJUCTIVITIS SICCA-KCS)

Introduction:

The Dry-eyes occurs due to decreased secretion of tears in the eyes’ tear glands.

Types of Dry Eyes

It is of two types:

A Primary: Where the problem is inherent and the tear glands secrete less amount of tears.

B Secondary: Where the tear glands secrete less tears due to some systemic problem or auto-immune disease or some medications.

Symptoms of Dry Eyes:

01 Itching

02 Dryness

03 Burning

04 Redness

05 Irritation

06 Excessive tears

07 Blurred vision improving with blinking

08 Increased sensitivity to bright light

09 Sensation of speck in the eye

10 Pulling sensation behind the eye

11 Increased discomfort after reading, watching TV or working on the computer, driving

Causes:

  • Aging
  • Increased symptoms in dry weather and environment and better in humid weather and environment like rainy days and in the shower
  • Hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause can cause dry eyes
  • Antihistamines, sedatives, diuretics, Tricyclic antidepressants, phenothiazines, beta-blockers, nasal decongestants, atropine ,pain relieving opiates such as morphine and birth control pills can cause dry eyes
  • Sjogrens’ syndrome
  • Sensory denervation
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus
  • Wegeners’ Granulaomatosis
  • Diabetics are at an increased risk of dry eyes
  • Thermal or chemical burns
  • Bulging eyes
  • Drooping Eyelid
  • LASIK, refractive surgeries
  • Vitamin A deficiency
  • Trachoma
  • Diphtheric keratoconjunctivitis
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