Keratoconjunctivitis

Refers to inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva.

When only the cornea is inflamed, it is called keratitis.

When only the conjunctiva is inflamed it is called conjunctivitis.

There are several potential causes of the inflammation:

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is the term used when the inflammation is due to dryness.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca occurs with 20% of rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis refers to keratoconjunctivitis occurring in the spring due to allergens.

Atopic keratoconjunctivitis refers to an association with atopy.

Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis is caused by an adenovirus infection.

Superior limbic keratoconjuctivitis may be caused by mechanical trauma.

Ultraviolet exposure can lead keratoconjuctivitis from arc welding and high altitude sunlight exposure.