Treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca with liquid paraffin or polyvinyl alcohol in double-blind trial

Twenty-two eyes affected with keratoconjunctivitis sicca have been subjected to double trials using the double-blind randomized cross-over technique. Polyvinyl alcohol in a 5% concentration improved the condition whereas liquid paraffin aggravated it, as estimated subjectively, and by the measurement of the break up time of the corneal film, and, finally, by the scoring of rose bengal vital staining of exposed cornea and conjunctiva. The conclusion is drawn that oil is contraindicated in keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and that rose bengal scoring (modified Bijsterveld method) is a valuable aid in control of the sicca syndrome.