Keratitis sicca; Xerophthalmia; Keratoconjunctivitis sicca

Treatments may include:

• Hot compresses or eyelash cleaning
• Lubricating ointments (in more severe cases)
• Medications such as Restasis, topical corticosteroids, and oral tetracycline and doxyccycline
• Tiny plugs placed in the tear drainage ducts to help the tears stay on the surface of the eye
• Wetting drops called artificial tears

Surgery may be used if the eyelids are in an abnormal position.

Most patients with dry eye have only discomfort, and no vision loss. With severe cases, the clear window on the front of the eye (cornea) may become damaged or infected.

Ulcers or infections of the cornea are serious complications.

See your health care provider immediately if you have dry eyes and have:

• A sudden increase in discomfort or redness
• A sudden decrease in vision

Images

Eye anatomy

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Dry eye syndrome Symptoms

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Dry eye syndrome Prevention

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)