Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 4 complete abstracts (755 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
Drying and inflammation of the conjunctiva as a result of insufficient lacrimal secretion. When found in association with xerostomia and polyarthritis, it is called sjogren's syndrome.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Sicca, Keratoconjunctivitis.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Keratoconjunctivitis; Dry Eye Syndromes
Related concepts
- Xerostomia
- Sjogren's Syndrome
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 1,060 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca” (counts retrieved 2026-11-04). 90 of them (8.5%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is through 1999 with 498 records.
Reviews account for 128 records (12.1%) and meta-analyses for 4. Randomized controlled trials number 62 (5.8%) as a share of all records on the topic.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 498 |
| 2000-2009 | 233 |
| 2010-2019 | 239 |
| 2020 onward | 90 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 128 | 12.1% |
| Meta-analyses | 4 | 0.4% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 62 | 5.8% |
Method: PubMed query "Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-11-04.
Reading the evidence in eye, ear, nose and throat
Eye, hearing, nose and throat studies rely on specialist tests (visual acuity, eye pressure, audiograms, scopes) and on patient-reported symptoms, which vary between people and with age. Some conditions improve without treatment, so comparison groups matter. Nothing on this page is advice about diagnosis or treatment; sudden loss of sight or hearing needs urgent care from a qualified clinician. Check how the outcome was tested, the age of the people studied and how long they were followed.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in keratoconjunctivitis sicca in a canine model | 2015 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 67 | cc by PMID 25802852 · DOI · PMC4352730 |
| Evaluation of the efficacy of 50% autologous serum eye drops in different ocular surface pathologies | 2014 | Clinical trial Design not recorded in structured metadata | 54 | cc by PMID 25136628 · DOI · PMC4130192 |
| Disruption of TGF-β signaling improves ocular surface epithelial disease in experimental autoimmune keratoconjunctivitis sicca | 2011 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 50 | cc by PMID 22194977 · DOI · PMC3237576 |
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in a Case of Presumed Unilateral Trigeminal Ganglion Aplasia in a 3-Year-Old Female French Bulldog | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 0 | cc by PMID 41689776 · DOI · PMC12906327 |
Use of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in keratoconjunctivitis sicca in a canine model [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or dry eye disease (DED) is an immune-mediated multifactorial disease, with high level of prevalence in humans and dogs.
- Closing excerpt
- These results could reinforce a good effective solution to be extrapolated to future studies in human.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (201 words)
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or dry eye disease (DED) is an immune-mediated multifactorial disease, with high level of prevalence in humans and dogs. Our aim in this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (Ad-MSCs) implanted around the lacrimal glands in 12 dogs (24 eyes) with KCS, which is refractory to current available treatments. Schirmer tear test (STT) and ocular surface integrity were assessed at 0 (before treatment), 3, 6, and 9 months after treatment. Average STT values and all clinical signs showed a statistically significant change (P < 0.001) during the follow-up with reduction in all ocular parameters scored: ocular discharge, conjunctival hyperaemia, and corneal changes, and there were no signs of regression or worsening. Implanted cells were well tolerated and were effective reducing clinical signs of KCS with a sustained effect during the study period. None of the animals showed systemic or local complications during the study. To our knowledge, this is the first time in literature that implantation of allogeneic Ad-MSCs around lacrimal glands has been found as an effective therapeutic alternative to treat dogs with KCS. These results could reinforce a good effective solution to be extrapolated to future studies in human.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 25802852 · DOI · PMC4352730
Evaluation of the efficacy of 50% autologous serum eye drops in different ocular surface pathologies [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- PurposeThis study evaluated the efficacy of 50% autologous serum eye drops in ocular surface diseases not improved by conventional therapy.
- Closing excerpt
- ConclusionsAutologous serum eye drops effectively stabilize and improve signs and symptoms in eyes previously treated with conventional therapy.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (200 words)
PurposeThis study evaluated the efficacy of 50% autologous serum eye drops in ocular surface diseases not improved by conventional therapy.MethodsWe analyzed two groups: (1) acute eye pathologies (e.g., chemical burns) and (2) chronic eye pathologies (e.g., recurrent corneal erosion, neurotropic keratitis, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca). The patients were treated for surface instability after conventional therapy. The patients received therapy 5 times a day until stabilization of the framework; they then reduced therapy to 3 times a day for at least 3 months. We analyzed the best corrected visual acuity, epithelial defects, inflammation, corneal opacity, and corneal neovascularization. We also analyzed symptoms such as tearing, burning, sense of foreign body or sand, photophobia, blurred vision, and difficulty opening the eyelids.ResultsWe enrolled 15 eyes in group 1 and 11 eyes in group 2. The average therapy period was 16 ± 5.86 weeks in group 1 and 30.54 ± 20.33 weeks in group 2. The epithelial defects all resolved. Signs and symptoms improved in both groups. In group 2, the defect recurred after the suspension of therapy in 2 (18%) patients; in group 1, no defects recurred.ConclusionsAutologous serum eye drops effectively stabilize and improve signs and symptoms in eyes previously treated with conventional therapy.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 25136628 · DOI · PMC4130192
Disruption of TGF-β signaling improves ocular surface epithelial disease in experimental autoimmune keratoconjunctivitis sicca [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundTGF-β is a pleiotropic cytokine that can have pro- or anti-inflammatory effects depending on the context.
- Closing excerpt
- Conclusions/significanceOur results showed that disruption of TGF-β signaling in CD4(+) T cells causes paradoxical improvement of dry eye disease in mice subjected to desiccating stress.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (254 words)
BackgroundTGF-β is a pleiotropic cytokine that can have pro- or anti-inflammatory effects depending on the context. Elevated levels of bioactive TGF-β1 in tears and elevated TGF-β1mRNA transcripts in conjunctiva and minor salivary glands of human Sjögren's Syndrome patients has also been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the response to desiccating stress (DS), an experimental model of dry eye, in dominant-negative TGF-β type II receptor (CD4-DNTGFβRII) mice. These mice have a truncated TGF-β receptor in CD4(+) T cells, rendering them unresponsive to TGF-β.Methodology/principal findingsDS was induced by subcutaneous injection of scopolamine and exposure to a drafty low humidity environment in CD4-DNTGFβRII and wild-type (WT) mice, aged 14 weeks, for 5 days. Nonstressed (NS) mice served as controls. Parameters of ocular surface disease included corneal smoothness, corneal barrier function and conjunctival goblet cell density. NS CD4-DNTGFβRII at 14 weeks of age mice exhibited a spontaneous dry eye phenotype; however, DS improved their corneal barrier function and corneal surface irregularity, increased their number of PAS+ GC, and lowered CD4(+) T cell infiltration in conjunctiva. In contrast to WT, CD4-DNTGFβRII mice did not generate a Th-17 and Th-1 response, and they failed to upregulate MMP-9, IL-23, IL-17A, RORγT, IFN-γ and T-bet mRNA transcripts in conjunctiva. RAG1KO recipients of adoptively transferred CD4+T cells isolated from DS5 CD4-DNTGFβRII showed milder dry eye phenotype and less conjunctival inflammation than recipients of WT control.Conclusions/significanceOur results showed that disruption of TGF-β signaling in CD4(+) T cells causes paradoxical improvement of dry eye disease in mice subjected to desiccating stress.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 22194977 · DOI · PMC3237576
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in a Case of Presumed Unilateral Trigeminal Ganglion Aplasia in a 3-Year-Old Female French Bulldog [4]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- A young female French bulldog with a history of chronic right keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) because since birth was referred for an acute onset of nonambulatory tetraparesis.
- Closing excerpt
- This represents a very rare but important differential in young patients with a history of non-responsive KCS, recurrent or slow healing corneal ulceration, and absent corneal sensation.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (100 words)
A young female French bulldog with a history of chronic right keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) because since birth was referred for an acute onset of nonambulatory tetraparesis. Right trigeminal nerve sensory deficits, including right corneal anesthesia and absent facial sensation, were identified during examination. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the neurocranium was performed, revealing severe hypoplasia to the absence of the right trigeminal ganglion, consistent with reports of congenital trigeminal hypoplasia/aplasia in human medicine. This represents a very rare but important differential in young patients with a history of non-responsive KCS, recurrent or slow healing corneal ulceration, and absent corneal sensation.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 41689776 · DOI · PMC12906327
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article Dry eye disease: an immune-mediated ocular surface disorder [5]
- Research article Tear film osmolarity: determination of a referent for dry eye diagnosis [6]
- Research article Rethinking dry eye disease: a perspective on clinical implications [7]
- Research article Topical and systemic medications for the treatment of primary Sjögren's syndrome [8]
- Research article Schirmer test. I. A review [9]
- Research article A new perspective on canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Treatment with ophthalmic cyclosporine [10]
References
- Villatoro AJ, Fernández V, Claros S, Rico-Llanos GA, Becerra J, Andrades JA. Use of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in keratoconjunctivitis sicca in a canine model. . 2015. PMID 25802852 · DOI · PMC4352730
- Semeraro F, Forbice E, Braga O, Bova A, Di Salvatore A, Azzolini C. Evaluation of the efficacy of 50% autologous serum eye drops in different ocular surface pathologies. . 2014. PMID 25136628 · DOI · PMC4130192
- De Paiva CS, Volpe EA, Gandhi NB, Zhang X, Zheng X, Pitcher JD, et al.. Disruption of TGF-β signaling improves ocular surface epithelial disease in experimental autoimmune keratoconjunctivitis sicca. . 2011. PMID 22194977 · DOI · PMC3237576
- Jarvis JHM, Murakami M, Togawa G, Linder JE, Fulkerson CV. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in a Case of Presumed Unilateral Trigeminal Ganglion Aplasia in a 3-Year-Old Female French Bulldog. . 2026. PMID 41689776 · DOI · PMC12906327
- Stevenson W, Chauhan SK, Dana R. Dry eye disease: an immune-mediated ocular surface disorder. Arch Ophthalmol. 2012. PMID 22232476 · DOI · PMC3677724
- Tomlinson A, Khanal S, Ramaesh K, Diaper C, McFadyen A. Tear film osmolarity: determination of a referent for dry eye diagnosis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2006. PMID 17003420 · DOI
- Bron AJ, Tomlinson A, Foulks GN, Pepose JS, Baudouin C, Geerling G, et al.. Rethinking dry eye disease: a perspective on clinical implications. Ocul Surf. 2014. PMID 24725379 · DOI
- Ramos-Casals M, Brito-Zerón P, Sisó-Almirall A, Bosch X, Tzioufas AG. Topical and systemic medications for the treatment of primary Sjögren's syndrome. Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2012. PMID 22549247 · DOI
- Cho P, Yap M. Schirmer test. I. A review. Optom Vis Sci. 1993. PMID 8446379 · DOI
- Kaswan RL, Salisbury MA. A new perspective on canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Treatment with ophthalmic cyclosporine. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 1990. PMID 2194349 · DOI
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-11-04; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-11-04.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.