Dry eyes can usually be diagnosed by the symptoms alone. Tests can determine both the quantity and the quality of the tears. A slit lamp examination can be performed to diagnose dry eyes and to document any damage to the eye.

A Schirmer's test can measure the amount of moisture bathing the eye. This test is useful for determining the severity of the condition. A five-minute Schirmer's test with and without anesthesia using a Whatman #41 filter paper 5 mm wide by 35 mm long is performed. For this test, wetting under 5 mm with or without anesthesia is considered diagnostic for dry eyes.

If the results for the Schirmer's test are abnormal, a Schirmer II test can be performed to measure reflex secretion. In this test, the nasal mucosa is irritated with a cotton-tipped applicator, after which tear production is measured with a Whatman #41 filter paper. For this test, wetting under 15 mm after five minutes is considered abnormal.

A tear breakup time (TBUT) test measures the time it takes for tears to break up in the eye. The tear breakup time can be determined after placing a drop of fluorescein in the cul-de-sac.

A tear protein analysis test measures the lysozyme contained within tears. In tears, lysozyme accounts for approximately 20 to 40 percent of total protein content.

A lactoferrin analysis test provides good correlation with other tests.

The presence of the recently described molecule Ap4A, naturally occurring in tears, is abnormally high in different states of ocular dryness. This molecule can be quantified biochemically simply by taking a tear sample with a plain Schirmer test. Utilizing this technique it is possible to determine the concentrations of Ap4A in the tears of patients and in such way diagnose objectively if the samples are indicative of dry eye.

The Tear Osmolarity Test has been proposed as a test for dry eye disease. Tear osmolarity may be a more sensitive method of diagnosing and grading the severity of dry eye compared to corneal and conjunctival staining, tear break-up time, Schirmer test, and meibomian gland grading. Others have recently questioned the utility of tear osmolarity in monitoring dry eye treatment.

There is no way to prevent keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Complications can be prevented by use of wetting and lubricating drops and ointments.

Previously, treatment was thought optional until the role of NM was fully understood. The NM gland is responsible for 40–50% of tear production. If exposed for extended periods of time, the gland is at risk for trauma, secondary infection, and reduced tear production. Many complications can arise if left untreated: early closed-eye massage manipulation is recommended to prevent inflammation .

Postoperative treatment includes antibiotic eye ointment three times daily for two weeks. With newer procedures, the rate of prolapse recurrence is minimal. Most techniques have a reprolapse rate of approximately zero to four percent. Occasionally, additional or duplicate surgery is required. With treatment, it is possible for animals to live a normal life.

Kenny-Caffey syndrome is a rare genetic condition causing skeletal abnormalities. Individuals with the condition have a shortened stature and thickened long bones. Hypocalcemia is also common.

KCS is autosomal dominant and caused by a mutation in FAM111A. It affects males and females in equal proportion.

Treatment is based on symptoms.