Keratoconjunctivitis sicca

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Keratitis sicca; Xerophthalmia; Keratoconjunctivitis sicca


Symptoms


Signs and tests

Signs include:

  • Reduced visual acuity
  • Thick cornea

Tests may include:

  • Slit lamp (biomicroscope) exam of the film of tears (a dye such as fluorescein may be placed in the eye to make the tear film more visible)
  • Schirmer's test -- measures the rate of tear production using a calibrated paper wick placed on the edge of the eyelid


Review Date: 11/08/2010
Reviewed By: Daniel E. Bustos, MD, MS, Private Practice specializing in Comprehensive Ophthalmology in Eugene, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)