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.
Also called: Dry eyes, Keratitis sicca, Xerophthalmia, Dry eye syndrome.
Conditions associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca
The following conditions have been associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca in medical literature. This is informational and not a diagnosis.
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 sign...
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 sig...
IgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialadenitis
IgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialadenitis is a medical condition that may be associated with various sympto...
Immunodeficiency 126
Immunodeficiency 126 is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Infant botulism
Infant botulism is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
KID syndrome
KID syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Lymphoid interstitial pneumonia
Lymphoid interstitial pneumonia is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Mixed connective tissue disease
Mixed connective tissue disease is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Pancreatic triacylglycerol lipase deficiency
Pancreatic triacylglycerol lipase deficiency is a medical condition that may be associated with various sympto...
Primary Sjögren disease
Primary Sjögren disease is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Reynolds syndrome
Reynolds syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Sjogren Syndrome
An autoimmune disease that primarily affects moisture-producing glands, causing dry eyes and dry mouth....
Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis spectrum
Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis spectrum is a medical condition that may be associated wit...
Triple A syndrome
Triple A syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Yao syndrome
An an autoinflammatory disease characterized by periodic fever, dermatitis, arthritis, and swelling of the dis...
intellectual developmental disorder, X-linked, syndromic 37
intellectual developmental disorder, X-linked, syndromic 37 is a medical condition that may be associated with...
primary erythermalgia
Primary erythermalgia is characterized by intermittent attacks of red, warm, painful burning extremities. It s...
Tests providers may use to investigate keratoconjunctivitis sicca
When investigating keratoconjunctivitis sicca, a healthcare provider may order one or more of the following laboratory tests. Test selection is a clinical decision made by a qualified professional.
ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies)
Screens for autoimmune diseases such as lupus....
Ana Blood Test
The Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) blood test is used to determine the cause and the appropriate treatment of arth...
CBC with Differential
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help evaluate overall health and detect disorder...
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Measures 14 substances in the blood to assess kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar ...
Rheumatoid Factor (RF)
Helps evaluate rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions....
Rheumatoid Factor Ra Test - Arthritis
Rheumatoid Factor (RF) is the autoantibody in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In addition to RF IgM, raised levels ...
SSA/SSB Antibodies
Detects antibodies associated with Sjogren syndrome and lupus....
Urinalysis
Examines urine content to help detect urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and diabetes....
Symptoms commonly seen alongside keratoconjunctivitis sicca
Dry Eyes
Insufficient moisture on the surface of the eye causing irritation, burning, or grittiness....
Dry Mouth
A feeling of dryness in the mouth due to reduced saliva, which can be caused by medications, Sjogren syndrome,...
Dysphagia
Difficulty in swallowing....
Fatigue
A subjective feeling of tiredness characterized by a lack of energy and motivation....
Fever
Body temperature elevated above the normal range....
Seizure
A seizure is an intermittent abnormality of nervous system physiology characterized by a transient occurrence ...
When to seek care
Seek care from a qualified healthcare provider if keratoconjunctivitis sicca is severe, persistent, worsening, or accompanied by concerning symptoms. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the symptom keratoconjunctivitis sicca mean?
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is a health sign or symptom described in medical literature. 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.
Which conditions are associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca?
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca has been reported in association with 26 conditions in the medical literature we index, including AGel amyloidosis, Abetalipoproteinemia, Antisynthetase syndrome, Behçet disease, Chronic graft versus host disease. These associations do not mean you have any of these conditions.
Should I see a doctor about keratoconjunctivitis sicca?
You should discuss any persistent or concerning symptoms with a qualified healthcare provider. This website does not provide diagnosis. If you have severe symptoms or signs of a medical emergency, seek care immediately.