Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Medical History

Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye syndrome).

Family history

  • Are there any individuals in your family with ocular disease?

Social history

  • What is your occupation? (Screen work?)
  • Are you exposed to harmful agents in your occupation? (see under environmental history)
  • Is there smoking in your environment, i.e. you are a passive smoker?

Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints).

  • Have you noticed any symptoms such as a foreign body sensation or a feeling of dryness?
  • Are your eyes burning or itching?
  • Are your eyes red?
  • Have you noticed mucus secretions from the eye?
  • Do you have tired looking/puffy eyes?
  • Do you have occasional eye pain – e.g. with drafts?
  • Are your eyes sensitive to light?
  • Do you wear contact lenses?

Vegetative anamnesis incl. nutritional anamnesis.

  • Do you smoke? If yes, how many cigarettes, cigars or pipes per day?
  • Do you use drugs? If yes, what drugs and how often per day or per week?

Self history including medication history.

  • Pre-existing conditions (diabetes mellitus, autoimmune diseases, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, infectious diseases).
  • Environmental history
    • Computer screen work (VDU work)
    • Intensive television
    • Car fan
    • Ozone, e.g. from copiers and printers
    • Dry indoor air due tooverheated rooms, underfloor heating, air conditioning systems.
    • Insufficient or incorrect lighting
    • Cigarette smoke
    • Environmental pollution (e.g. dust)
  • Operations

Medication history

Other risk factors