keratoconjunctivitis sicca, dryness of the cornea caused by a deficiency of tear secretion in which the corneal surface appears dull and rough and the eye feels gritty and irritated. The condition may be associated with erythema multiforme, Sjögren’s syndrome, trachoma, and vitamin A deficiency. Methylcellulose artificial tears may give some relief, as can insertion of plugs into the punctae and use of cyclosporine drops.
