Dry Eye Disease (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca) Clinical Presentation

Updated: Jun 06, 2023
  • Author: Trent Tsun-Kang Chiang, MD, MS; Chief Editor: Andrew A Dahl, MD, FACS  more...
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Presentation

History

Depending on the severity of dry eye disease (DED), or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), the following are the most common patient complaints:

  • Foreign-body, burning, gritty, or itching sensation. 
  • Redness
  • Mucoid discharge
  • Ocular irritation
  • Ocular dryness
  • Excessive tearing (secondary to reflex secretion)
  • Photophobia
  • Itching
  • Fluctuating or blurry vision that may improve with blinking 

These symptoms often are exacerbated in smoky or dry environments, by indoor heating, by fans, or by excessive reading or computer use. Often, the symptoms worsen as the day goes on.

These symptoms are quantified objectively in the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, which lists 12 symptoms and grades each on a scale of 1 to 4.

Patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) may complain of redness of the eyelids and conjunctiva, but in these patients, the symptoms are often worse upon awakening in the morning.

Paradoxically, some patients with dry eye disease complain of too much tearing. When evidence of dry eye disease exists, this symptom often is explained by excessive reflex tearing due to severe corneal surface disease from the dryness. Epiphora also may accompany conjunctivochalasis, which demands consideration of surgical intervention.

The patient’s medical history may be significant for coexisting connective tissue disease (CTD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or thyroid abnormalities. A thorough review of systems should be obtained, focusing specifically on dry mouth, arthritis, cutaneous changes, malaise, weight loss, and lymphadenopathy. Within the veteran population, a study found an increased incidence of dry eye disease in both men and women that was also strongly connected to cases of posttraumatic stress disorder and depression. [31]