What is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry eyes is a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface characterized by the loss of homeostasis of the tear film. This can arise from a multitude of factors including eyelid and blink abnormalities, ocular surface or tear component deficiencies. These changes can be attributed from excessive tear film evaporation, tear film instability and hyperosmolarity, ocular surface inflammation and damage, which is associated with symptoms of ocular discomfort. This results in symptoms of ocular discomfort and other visual disturbances.

Common dry eye symptoms include:

  • Burning and irritation

  • Itchiness

  • Unstable and blurred vision

  • Redness

  • Sensitivity to light

  • Sandy and gritty feeling

  • Foreign body sensation

  • Sudden excess of tears

  • Mucous discharge

  • Contact lens intolerance