Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
Dryness of the eye related to deficiency of the tear film components (aqueous, mucin, or lipid), lid surface abnormalities, or epithelial abnormalities. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca often results in a scratchy or sandy sensation (foreign body sensation) in the eyes, and may also be associated with itching, inability to produce tears, photosensitivity, redness, pain, and difficulty in moving the eyelids.
What is Keratoconjunctivitis sicca?
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is a symptom that people may experience for many reasons. It can be related to infections, chronic conditions, injuries, medication effects, or other health changes. The presence of this symptom alone does not diagnose any condition.
If you have Keratoconjunctivitis sicca that is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other warning signs, contact a qualified healthcare provider.
Possible conditions associated with Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
The following conditions have been associated with Keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Only a health professional can determine the underlying cause.
AGel amyloidosis
AGel amyloidosis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs.
Abetalipoproteinemia
Abetalipoproteinemia is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs.
Antisynthetase syndrome
Antisynthetase syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs.
Behçet disease
Behçet disease is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs.
Chronic graft versus host disease
Chronic graft versus host disease is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs.
Cockayne syndrome
Cockayne syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs.
Cockayne syndrome type 3
Cockayne syndrome type 3 is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs.
Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis
Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs.
Hereditary ATTR amyloidosis
Hereditary ATTR amyloidosis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs.
Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs.
IgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialadenitis
IgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialadenitis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and sig...
Immunodeficiency 126
Immunodeficiency 126 is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs.
Related symptoms
When to seek medical care
Seek urgent care if Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is severe, sudden, or occurs with chest pain, difficulty breathing, confusion, severe weakness, or other serious symptoms.