The role of inflammation and antiinflammation therapies in keratoconjunctivitis sicca

Abstract

Koray Gumus1, Dwight H Cavanagh21Department of Ophthalmology, Erciyes University School of Medicine, Kayseri, Turkey; 2Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USAPurpose: 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