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Dry eyes: etiology and management
1NY Medical College, Dry Eye Clinic NY Eye Ear Infirmary, New York, New York 10022, USA. relief@dryeyedoctor.com
Current Opinion in Ophthalmology
|June 12, 2008
Summary
Dry eye syndrome, previously uncertain, is now understood to be caused by inflammation. Recent advancements in diagnosis and anti-inflammatory treatments offer improved management for this ocular surface disease.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Ocular Surface Disease Research
Background:
- Dry eye syndrome etiology was previously uncertain, with treatments being palliative.
- Recent discoveries link dry eye to inflammation, prompting extensive research into anti-inflammatory therapies.
- Focus has shifted to understanding contributing causes and improving diagnostic methods for ocular surface disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review significant research published over the past year concerning ocular surface disease.
- To highlight advancements in understanding and treating dry eye syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent publications on dry eye syndrome and ocular surface disease.
- Synthesis of findings related to etiology, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions.
Main Results:
- The definition of dry eye now emphasizes blurry vision as a key symptom.
- Improved diagnostic approaches include re-evaluation of ocular surface staining, tear meniscus height, and visual changes.
- Punctal plugs and anti-inflammatory medications (oral and topical) are key therapeutic options.
Conclusions:
- Significant progress has been made in understanding the causes of dry eye syndrome.
- Enhanced understanding of etiology is paving the way for more effective therapeutic strategies for ocular surface disease.
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