Curriculum · ENT, Ophthalmology, and Dermatology
Dry eye syndrome and Schirmer's test
What it is
Dry eye syndrome, also named keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a fall in tear production. Sicca symptoms are dry mouth and dry eyes.
Causes and risk
The setting that matters most is Sjogren's syndrome. Primary Sjogren's is where the condition occurs in isolation; secondary Sjogren's is where it occurs due to other diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, and the secondary form is also associated with PBC. It is more common in women and typically presents in middle age.
How it presents
Dry eyes and dry mouth are the cardinal symptoms, with vaginal dryness as well. Xerophthalmia and keratoconjunctivitis sicca sit on the eye side and xerostomia on the mouth side, with parotid swelling; marked bilateral parotid gland enlargement can be seen. The dry mouth is paid for in dental caries, oral ulcers, oral candidiasis and angular cheilitis, and polyarthritis often runs alongside.