[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.

Topical anesthetic induced pain as a diagnostic tool for kerato conjunctivitis sicca (KCS).

Duration and intensity of pain induced by instillation of an acid local anesthetic eyedrop were compared in 321 normals and 77 KCS-patients. The medium duration of pain was increased in KCS-patients (16.23 s) compared to normals (7.