Keratoconjunctivitis Medicamentosa

[DrG]

Beware of keratoconjuncitvitis medicamentosa. It is the result of the overuse of artificial tears in which the ocular surface develops toxicity to the active ingredients/preservatives. Also, if the osmotic/oncotic pressure of the artificial tears is not the same as the tear film, it can cause the cornea to become edematous and the subsequent loss of adhesion of weakened epithelium.

Any dry eye requiring the instillation of more than 1 drop per hour requires a different management strategy, IMO.