Introduction; Keratoconjunctivitis sicca,KCS (dry eyes)which affects the cornea and conjunctiva is a common  ophthalmic  manifestation in rheumatic diseases and its caused by lymphoid infiltration of lacrimal gland. Severe dry eyes if undetected and treated early can cause scarring, ulceration, infection and perforation of cornea.

Objective; To establish the prevalence of KCS in rheumatic patients with increased inflammatory process.

Method; 50 selected rheumatic patients between ages 25 and 60 years, Anamnesis [Dry Eyes Questionnaire(DEQ) and Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness Questionnaire(SPEED)]blood test(ESR,CRP) and schirmer tests were used

Results; From anamnesis (DEQ and SPEED) questionnaire, symptoms of KCS was revealed in 30 patients. These patients were further studied using schirmer test. 16 of these patients had severe eye dryness and 14 had mild degree. Among these 16 patients 45% rheumatoid arthritis, 40% scleroderma,10% systemic lupus erythematosus  and 5% ankylosing spondylitis patients. Among the patients with severe eyes dryness, blood test showed high activity of inflammatory process.

Conclusion; Patients with rheumatic diseases especially rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and SLE with increased activity of disease are at a higher risk of severe KCS.. Hence ophthalmic examinations should be prescribed for rheumatic patients.