[Significance of subjective sensitivity in evaluation of keratoconjunctivitis sicca]

In patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) frequently a mismatch between the symptoms and clinical signs of impaired tear film is found. Thus, we conducted a study to determine whether tests can be found that provide information on increased sensitivity in KCS patients. Thirty patients with and without KCS were investigated by the following methods: a specific anamnestic questionnaire, esthesiometry and provocation of ocular pain by instillation of a local anesthetic eye drop. Esthesiometry only showed a shift towards higher sensitivity, but the other tests indicated significantly increased ocular sensitivity in KCS patients. These very simple methods permit better understanding of the specific situation in the individual patient.