La ocular dryness It is a very damaging pathology that occurs when there is a lack of lubrication and wetting on the surface of the eye.
This can trigger a chronic dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea, which is known in ophthalmology as keratoconjunctivitis. It is a very annoying disease that can cause blurred vision, photophobia and intense irritation.
En Área Oftalmológica Avanzada We explain what keratoconjunctivitis is, what its symptoms are and what treatment is the most recommended.
Definition of keratoconjunctivitis
When the eye does not produce the necessary amount of tears or they are of poor quality, what we know in ophthalmology as ocular dryness.
If it were to affect chronic form to the cornea and conjunctiva of the eye would cause what we know as keratoconjunctivitis.
Any problem in tear production and disorders such as menopause, lupus or Parkinson's can affect the hydration of the eye and cause keratoconjunctivitis that usually occurs in both eyes at the same time.
Types of keratoconjunctivitis
The types of keratoconjunctivitis are:
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca. It is caused by deficiency of tears in the eyes and is the most frequent type of keratoconjunctivitis.
- Evaporative keratoconjunctivitis sicca. It occurs when tears evaporate faster than normal due to their poor quality or composition.
- vernal keratoconjunctivitis. It is very common in children and usually occurs at times of the year when the temperature is higher. It is believed to be caused by environmental stimuli.
- atopic keratoconjunctivitis. It is associated with the body's immunoallergic response and is more common in people suffering from rhinitis, asthma and eczema.
Symptom
Keratoconjunctivitis is a very bothersome disease that usually manifests itself through the following symptoms:
- Excessive and constant tearing.
- Eye discharge.
- Redness of the eyes
- Sensation of having grit or a foreign object inside the eye.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Itching and burning.
- Painful stitches.
- Eye fatigue.
- Blurred vision.
Diagnosis
To diagnose keratoconjunctivitis, the ophthalmologist must perform the Shirmer test.
This instrument helps determine if the production of tear film it is abnormal and has been the cause of keratoconjunctivitis.
If Schirmer test is positive, it is important that the ophthalmologist perform further checks to rule out the presence of the Sjogren's syndrome.
New tests are currently being developed to make the diagnosis of keratoconjunctivitis seca a long one more precise and simple as is the Keratograph.
Transmission
Dry eyes are a chronic disease that there is no definitive cure. Its treatment consists of mitigating the symptoms and complications that it can derive, as is the case of dry keratoconjunctivitis.
To treat keratoconjunctivitis, the ophthalmologist usually prescribes the use of artificial tears and eye drops to hydrate the cornea and conjunctiva. Currently, in Área Oftalmológica Avanzada we have new treatments to activate the secretion of quality tears to the ocular surface through the platform Thermaeye plus or through radio frequency.
It is also possible that the use of antibiotic eye drops to fight eye infection.
The cures of the Dry Eye must be done every day, because only in this way can the disease not cause irreparable damage.
If you have any symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis, do not hesitate to make an appointment with one of our specialist doctors. In Área Oftalmológica Avanzada We have the best experts in Barcelona to attend to any eye injury. Call us!
