Conjunctivitis (synonyms: Conjunctivitis; Keratoconjunctivitis; ICD-10-GM H16.2: Keratoconjunctivitis) is an inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye. If this inflammation is accompanied by decreased tear secretion and keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), it is keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS; Dry eye syndrome; Sicca-Syndrome). Dry eye syndrome; sicca syndrome; keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS); keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye syndrome); conjunctivitis sicca; English “dry eye syndrome”; Latin siccus “dry”; ICD-10-GM H19.3: Keratitis and keratoconjunctivitis in other diseases classified elsewhere: Keratoconjunctivitis sicca) – the so-called” dry eye”. The clinical picture has many similarities with an autoimmune disease.
Sex ratio: Women are more frequently affected than men due to hormonal changes during menopause.
Frequency peak: The disease predominantly occurs with increasing age, mostly between the 40th and 50th year of life.
The prevalence (disease frequency) is 5-35% of all people who consult an ophthalmologist because of eye complaints (in Germany).
Course and prognosis: With adequate therapy, the disease shows a good course. The vision of the eyes is not reduced by keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
Comorbidities: Dry eye is significantly associated with anxiety disorders and depression. Another comorbidity is hypercholesterolemia (elevated blood cholesterol).
