Dry eye disease - Symptoms, Causes, Images, and Treatment Options

Diseases

Highlights & Basics

Key Highlights

Dry eye disease is characterized by tear film abnormalities and/or ocular surface inflammation that often result from aqueous deficiencies or evaporative abnormalities.
May be caused by various systemic diseases and medications.
Symptoms do not often correlate with signs.
Slit-lamp examination and tear testing can help with diagnosis.
Management strategies include ocular surface lubrication, tear production stimulation, inflammatory factor inhibition, and ocular surface protection.

Dry eye (stained with rose bengal)

Private collection of Dr Jonathan Smith and Dr Philip Severn; used with permission

Quick Reference

History & Exam
- Key Factors
- Other Factors
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Diagnostics Tests
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Treatment Options
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Definition

Epidemiology

Etiology

Pathophysiology

Citations

Key Articles

Hakim FE, Farooq AV. Dry eye disease: an update in 2022. JAMA. 2022 Feb 1;327(5):478-9.[Abstract]
Amescua G, Ahmad S, Cheung AY, et al. Dry eye syndrome preferred practice pattern®. Ophthalmology. 2024 Apr;131(4):P1-49.[Abstract][Full Text]
Craig JP, Nichols KK, Akpek EK, et al. TFOS DEWS II definition and classification report. Ocul Surf. 2017 Jul;15(3):276-83.[Abstract][Full Text]
Shtein RM, Shen JF, Kuo AN, et al. Autologous serum-based eye drops for treatment of ocular surface disease: a report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Ophthalmology. 2020 Jan;127(1):128-33.[Abstract][Full Text]

Other Online Resources

Dry eye zone

Referenced Articles

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61. Sheppard JD, Kurata F, Epitropoulos AT, et al. NOV03 for signs and symptoms of dry eye disease associated with meibomian gland dysfunction: the randomized phase 3 MOJAVE study. Am J Ophthalmol. 2023 Aug;252:265-74.[Abstract][Full Text]
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