Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca Treatment

At My Eye Physicians, we specialize in providing comprehensive care for various eye conditions, including dry keratoconjunctivitis, also known as dry eye syndrome. If you are experiencing discomfort, redness, or a sandy feeling in your eyes, our team of experts is here to help. We offer customized treatment plans to relieve symptoms and improve the health of your eyes. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward a precise, comfortable vision.

    What Is Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca?

    Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a common dry eye ailment that causes irritability to your eyes. Dry eye has several internal and external causes. Constant tears are what keep your eye lubricated, so a lack of tears causes problems, many of which lead to more than just discomfort. The terms dry eye and KCS are usually used interchangeably. They both are conditions caused by a lack of proper tear production or an increase in tear evaporation

    Some of the more common symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis include:

    If you’re having any of these symptoms, you may have dry eyes. If left untreated by a doctor, the symptoms and problems associated with dry eyes will negatively affect one’s lifestyle and health. The experienced optometrists at the Downtown Manhattan location have the solution to your dry eyes problem, as well as for other eye health issues.

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    Why Are Tears so Important?

    Tears are essential to the health of your eyes. They lubricate and form a barrier to protect your eye. Above your eye, you have tear glands called lacrimal glands, which constantly supply tears that are spread across your eye as you blink. Other ducts on the inside corner of your eyes drain the excess fluid.

    Tears are made up of three layers:

    • Oily layer
    • Mucus layer
    • Watery layer

    Each of these layers is critical in its own way. The oily layer is on the outside. It keeps the tears from evaporating too quickly and keeps the surface of your eye smooth. The oily layer is produced by the meibomian glands. The watery layer is in the middle and makes up most of the tears. This is used to cleanse the eye of any foreign objects that may enter your eye and is produced in the lacrimal glands. The mucus layer is against the lens of your eye. It spreads the watery layer across the eye. Surprisingly, without the mucus layer, tears would not stay in your eyes. If any of these important layers is disrupted, dry eye can occur.

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    What Are the Physical Causes of Decreased Tear Production?

    Lack of tear production has different causes in different people. Aging, in and of itself, can cause a decline in tear production.

    Some of the other more common physical causes include:

    • Medical conditions such as thyroid disorders and lupus
    • Certain medications
    • Vitamin A deficiency

    Although there may be no cure, there are several options to relieve your discomfort. Some people get relief from eye drops or artificial tears — drops that mimic the composition of real tears. In other cases, your NYC best-rated optometrist performs additional tests to determine the cause of your dry eye so that you can be properly treated.

    Dry Eyes Treatment

    What Are Environmental Causes of Increased Tear Evaporation?

    In some instances, dry eyes are caused by tears that evaporate too quickly. A number of environmental factors can have this effect, so in these instances a lifestyle change may be the solution. If you have ever stuck your head in a freezer, you have probably felt dry eye. Extreme cold can dry out your tears very quickly, especially if the cold air is blowing. Our experienced doctors can get to the root of your problem by asking the correct questions.

    Other environmental causes of keratoconjunctivitis Sicca may include:

    • Dry, arid climates
    • Smoke
    • Reduced blinking, as often happens with extended computer use

    With most of these issues, avoidance is the best remedy. If you happen to run into these on occasion, temporary use of eye drops may solve your problem. If you are bothered by the constant effects of dry eye, you want to call Eye Physicians immediately. Once you set up an appointment, they do everything they can to get you in and out in less than an hour.

    Page Updated on Aug 21, 2024 by Dr. William Hogue, OD (Optometrist) of Eye Physicians
    William Hogue, OD

    My name is Dr. William Hogue, and I am an optometrist dedicated to providing top-quality professional eye care. I'm trained in treating various ocular conditions, including dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, and retinal issues.

    I earned my chemistry degree summa cum laude from the University of Tennessee. Subsequently, I obtained my Doctorate of Optometry (OD) and Master of Science (MS) from the New England College of Optometry. Following graduation, I completed an ocular disease residency at the State University of New York’s College of Optometry. Beyond my clinical work, I have also been a supporter of Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH).

    More about Dr. Hogue

    Eye Physicians
    110 Lafayette St, Suite 503
    New York, NY 10013
    (212) 292-4814

    Why Choose Eye Physicians?

    Entrust the care of your precious eyesight to highly skilled and experienced eye care professionals. For top-notch ophthalmologists and optometrists in Downtown Manhattan, choose Eye Physicians. Eye Physicians ensures prompt care, precise diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans.

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