Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

1 medicine

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, commonly known as dry eye disease, occurs when the eyes don't produce enough tears or tears evaporate too fast, causing grittiness and blurred vision.

Cyclomune

Ciclosporin

0.05/0.1%

Cyclomune is a eye care medication containing Ciclosporin, available as 0.05/0.1% bottles.

from $40.46 / bottle View

Key facts

  • Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is the medical term for chronic dry eye disease: the tear film protecting the eye surface breaks down, either from too few tears or tears that evaporate too fast.
  • Autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus are common causes; falling oestrogen after menopause and dry indoor air also contribute.
  • Mild cases respond to preservative-free artificial tears; when inflammation drives the problem, ciclosporin eye drops calm the immune response in the tear glands.
  • Sudden severe pain, marked light sensitivity, or a significant drop in vision needs prompt assessment by an eye doctor.

Why the tear film fails

In many cases the root cause is autoimmune. Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus can all cause the immune system to attack tear-producing glands directly. Hormonal change, particularly the drop in oestrogen after menopause, is another common driver. Environmental factors matter too: air conditioning, low humidity, and long hours of screen use all speed up tear evaporation, and people who spend most of the day in air-conditioned indoor air often notice symptoms worsening year-round.

Managing chronic dry eye

Mild cases respond well to preservative-free artificial tear drops used throughout the day. When inflammation is driving the tear-film failure, treating that underlying process works better than lubrication alone. Ciclosporin eye drops dampen the local inflammatory response in the lacrimal glands, helping the eye restore more natural tear production over several months of use. This sits within broader eye care management and, where a systemic autoimmune condition is the cause, often overlaps with autoimmune care treatment.

Lifestyle changes that help

Reducing screen time, using a humidifier in dry indoor air, wearing wraparound glasses outdoors, and taking regular blinking breaks all help. If symptoms include sudden severe pain, significant light sensitivity, or a marked drop in vision, prompt assessment by an ophthalmologist is advisable.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.