Which of the following is the causative factor of Keratoconjunctivitis sicca?

Appeared in: BTSC Staff Nurse 1 August-2025

Explanation

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is the medical term for dry eye syndrome.
The condition is fundamentally caused by a problem with the tears, either the quantity or quality.
A deficient tear film, resulting from inadequate production by the lacrimal glands or excessive evaporation, fails to protect the surface of the eye.
This leads to the characteristic symptoms of dryness, burning, foreign-body sensation, and inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea.

Option B: Glaucoma is characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve, leading to vision loss. It does not relate to tear production.
Option C: While wearing contact lenses can cause or worsen symptoms of dry eye (evaporative dry eye), it is not the primary underlying cause of the disease Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, which is a disorder of the tear film itself.
Option D: Bacterial infection causes bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye), which is an infectious condition characterized by purulent discharge, not the chronic dryness seen in Keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Etiology of Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye Syndrome) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a key role in educating patients about managing dry eye, including the proper use of artificial tears, avoiding environmental triggers (wind, smoke, low humidity), and taking breaks during prolonged screen time.
It is crucial to assess for underlying systemic conditions (like Sjögren's syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis) or medications (antihistamines, diuretics) that can cause or contribute to dry eyes.
Patient safety involves teaching individuals to seek ophthalmology follow-up if symptoms worsen or if they experience eye pain or vision changes, as untreated severe dry eye can lead to corneal scarring and vision loss.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'Keratoconjunctivitis sicca'.
Recall or deduce the meaning of this term. 'Kerato-' refers to the cornea, 'conjunctiv-' to the conjunctiva, '-itis' means inflammation, and 'sicca' means dry.
Therefore, the term describes inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva due to dryness.
Evaluate the options based on this definition. 'Inadequate tear production' directly addresses the cause of the dryness.
Compare this with the other options: Glaucoma (pressure), contact lens use (irritant/exacerbating factor), and bacterial infection (infectious conjunctivitis) do not fit the primary definition of 'sicca' (dryness).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 265-267

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 2 Part 1 p. 110-112

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 p. 1745-1747

Practise the full BTSC Staff Nurse 1 August-2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.