Dry Eyes

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 … Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Medical History

Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Test and Diagnosis

2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, etc. – for differential diagnostic clarification Small blood count Differential blood count Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). Vitamin A level determination Rheumatism diagnostics – CRP (C-reactive protein) or ESR (sedimentation rate); rheumatoid factor (RF), CCP-AK … Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Test and Diagnosis

Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Drug Therapy

Therapeutic Objective Relieve symptoms by restoring normal tear secretion. Therapy recommendations Use of tear substitutes (basic therapy). In meibomian gland dysfunction: tear substitutes containing lipids such as phospholipids, triglycerides and castor oil. In severe inflammatory reactions, topical anti-inflammatory therapy: Glucocorticoids: tapering off over a period of 2 to 4 weeks. Ciclosporin (cyclosporin A) (immunosuppressant): 0.05% … Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Drug Therapy

Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Diagnostic Tests

Several tests are used to determine whether keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye) is present: Schirmer test (tear secretion test): measurement of the amount of tear production; for this purpose, a 5-mm-wide and 35-mm-long filter paper strip (litmus paper) is inserted into the conjunctival sac at the outer corner of the eyelid and wetting is measured; after … Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Diagnostic Tests

Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Micronutrient Therapy

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca may be a deficiency symptom of the following vital nutrients (micronutrients). Vitamin A Within the framework of micronutrient medicine (vital substances), the following vital substances (macronutrients) are used for prevention. Omega-3 fatty acids Within the framework of micronutrient medicine (vital substances), the following vital substances (macronutrients) are used for supportive micronutrient therapy (vital … Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Micronutrient Therapy

Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Surgical Therapy

If tear substitute therapy is not sufficient, sclerotherapy of the lacrimal puncta may be helpful. The lacrimal puncta direct tear fluid to the draining tear ducts. If they are sclerosed, the tear fluid flows more slowly, which leads to relief of the symptoms. A temporary closure of the lacrimal puncta with small collagen or silicone … Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Surgical Therapy

Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Prevention

To prevent keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye syndrome), attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Diet Micronutrient deficiency (vital substances) – see Prevention with micronutrients. Consumption of stimulants Alcohol (tear film break-up time↓ (beak up time, BUT), tear film osmolarity↑). Tobacco (passive smoking) Wearing contact lenses Working at the computer screen … Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Prevention

Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Congenital malformations, deformities, and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99). Lacrimal gland aplasia – genetic absence of lacrimal glands. Blood, hematopoietic organs – immune system (D50-D90). Sarcoidosis – inflammatory systemic disease affecting mainly the skin, lungs and lymph nodes. Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (E00-E90). Xeroophthalmia – dryness of the eye as a symptom of vitamin A deficiency … Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Complications

The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye syndrome): Eyes and eye appendages (H00-H59). Corneal perforations Painful eye inflammation due to failure of the eye to be protected by the tear fluid Ulcus corneae (corneal ulcerations; corneal ulcers).

Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin and mucous membranes Eyes [mucous secretion, tired eyes, swollen eyelids, red eyes], furthermore inspection of eyelids: Eyelid blink frequency (during speech (15 ± 13 blinks/minute) and reading (5 … Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Examination

Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye syndrome): Eye redness Foreign body sensation Feeling of dryness Feeling of pressure Burning Scratching Pruritus (itching) Stinging Mucus secretion Tired eyes Puffy eyelids Intolerance of contact lenses Occasional pain – with drafts, smoke. Sensitivity to light/phobia (photophobia).

Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Causes

Pathogenesis (disease development) Normally, the main lacrimal gland as well as numerous small glands (accessory lacrimal glands and meibomian glands/specific sebaceous glands of the eyelid gland that produce the outer lipid film of the lacrimal film) produce the tear fluid in sufficient quantity. The blinking of the eyelids distributes the fluid so that the eye … Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Causes