
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca pathophysiology
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology
Having dry eyes for a while can lead to tiny abrasions on the surface of the eyes.[1] In advanced cases, the epithelium undergoes pathologic changes, namely squamous metaplasia and loss of goblet cells. Some severe cases result in thickening of the corneal surface,[1] corneal erosion, punctate keratopathy, epithelial defects, corneal ulceration (sterile and infected), corneal neovascularization, corneal scarring,[1] corneal thinning, and even corneal perforation.
References
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 “Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca”. The Merck Manual, Home Edition. Merck & Co., Inc. 2003-02-01. Retrieved 2006-11-12.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
