Gourt > Health > Conditions and Diseases > Eye Disorders > Dry Eye
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), also called keratitis sicca, xerophthalmia, dry eye syndrome (DES), or simply dry eyes, is an eye disease caused by decreased tear production or increased tear film evaporation commonly found in humans and small animals. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is Latin and the literal translation is "dryness of the cornea and conjunctiva".
The disease in humans
Symptoms
In humans, the typical symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis sicca are burning and a sandy-gritty eye irritation that gets worse as the day goes on. Symptoms may also be described as itchy, stingy or tired eyes. The symptoms are often caused by a loss of water from the tears that results in tears that are too "salty" or hypertonic.Treatment
The best treatment strategies are designed to rehydrate the tears and eye surface, and include hypotonic, electrolyte-balanced tears, omega-3 supplementation, punctal plugs (tiny, usually plastic plugs inserted into the tear ducts to prevent tear drainage, trapping tears in the eyes), and moist chamber spectacles. Avoiding environmental aggravation such as airconditioning, smoke and dust may help. The inflammation that occurs in response to tears film hypertonicity can be suppressed by mild topical steroids or in the last few years with immunosuppressants such as ciclosporin. More on [ Keratoconjunctivitis sicca ]
David Crystal Eye Care - Dry eye plug treatment for UK sufferers. Located in Edinburgh.
Dry Eye Doctor - Information and resources regarding eye conditions, including dry eye syndrome, blepharitis, and related disorders of the surface of the eye.
Meta Description: [ Treatments for dry eye syndrome, blepharitis or corneal disease symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation and watering. ]
Dryeyeinfo.org - Provides information on causes and the latest advances in treatment.
Meta Description: [ DryEyeInfo.org offers information about dry eye including the causes of dry eye, the treatments for dry eye, and the latest advances in dry eye treatment. ]
DryEyePain - Provides information about dry eyes and allergic eyes, including causes and how to alleviate pain. Includes information about moisture chamber glasses and moisture chamber goggles.
eMedicine Health - Dry Eye Syndrome - Consumer health resource center providing information on the causes, symptoms, and treatment of DES.
Meta Description: [ To help keep your eyes comfortable and your vision optimal, a normal, thin film of tears coats your eyes. Three main layers make up this tear film.
The innermost layer ... ]
Eye Pain Page - Discusses eye pain and gives some treatment suggestions for pain resulting from dry eye.
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