Peer Reviewed
Ophthalmology clinic
Management of dry eye syndrome
Abstract
Dry eye is a common problem. With careful assessment, appropriate treatment can be instigated and the problem managed such that disruption to lifestyle is minimised.
Key Points
What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is a deficiency of the tear film that results in desiccation of the ocular surface. The integrity of the tear film may be compromised in one (or more) of its three components: an inner mucous layer, secreted by the goblet cells of the conjunctiva, that decreases the surface tension and wetting ability of the middle aqueous layer; a middle aqueous layer, produced by the lacrimal gland; and an external lipid layer, produced by the meibomian glands, that reduces evaporation of the middle aqueous layer.
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