Dry eye disease in keratoconus: etiology and medical treatment
DOI: 10.32364/2311-7729-2022-22-2-122-126
V.V. Averich
Scientific Research Institute of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russian Federation
This paper reviews published data on the studies on keratoconus associated with dry eye disease (DED) presentations. Despite the lack of a direct correlation between DED and keratoconus, many studies have demonstrated that keratoconus is associated with DED in more than 80% of cases. The author describes major endogenous and exogenous (inflammatory, immune/allergic, mechanical, neuropathic) factors triggering the development and association of these conditions. Approaches to the medical treatment of disorders resulting from the association of these entities are discussed. The primary management strategy implies tear film and ocular surface protection with tear substitutes based on the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid. In the lack of the effect of tear substitutes or in rigid gas permeable contact lens wearers, gel-based dexpanthenol in high concentrations is recommended. This treatment significantly increases drug bioavailability and prolongs the ocular surface reparation. Scleral contact lenses ensuring intact corneal epithelium and high visual acuity in irregular astigmatism caused by keratoconus are also used for corneal protection and DED therapy.
Keywords: keratoconus, keratectasia, dry eye disease, epitheliopathy, tear film.
For citation: Averich V.V. Dry eye disease in keratoconus: etiology and medical treatment. Russian Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology. 2022;22(2):122–126 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2311-7729-2022-22-2-122-126.
About the author:
Veronika V. Averich — C. Sc. (Med.), junior researcher of the Division of Refractive Disorders, Scientific Research Institute of Eye Diseases; 11A, B, Rossolimo str., Moscow, 119021, Russian Federation; ORCID iD 0000-0001-5778-4123.
Contact information: Veronika V. Averich, e-mail: veronikky@mail.ru.
Financial Disclosure: the author has no a financial or property interest in any material or method mentioned.
There is no conflict of interests.
Received 02.03.2022.
Revised 29.03.2022.
Accepted 21.04.2022.
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