Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), also called keratitis sicca, xerophthalmia, dry eye syndrome (DES), or simply dry eyes, is an eyedisease 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.
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