The role of inflammation and antiinflammation therapies in keratoconjunctivitis sicca

Koray Gumus¹, Dwight H Cavanagh²

¹Department of Ophthalmology, Erciyes University School of Medicine, Kayseri, Turkey; ²Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA

Purpose: To review and integrate recent advances in identifying the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of dry eye conditions and the biological rationale and practical clinical aspects of newer, antiinflammatory theories.

Methods: A comprehensive literature survey. Results and conclusion: Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) is a multifactorial and complex disorder in which ocular surface infl ammations play a central role. Identification of specific CD4-T-Cell pathways and the recent recognition of targeting of alpha-fodrin suggest a case for novel new therapeutic aspects such as anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies, systemic linoleic and gamma-linolenic acids, and omega-6 essential fatty acids. Replacement of tear volume with nonpreserved wetting agents and standard typical antiinflammatory corticosteroid and/or cyclosporine A continues to be central current conventional therapy for KCS.

Keywords: dry eye, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, antiinflammatory therapy