Dry Eye Diagnosis and Management

Abstract

Dry eye disease refers to disorders of the tear film due to reduced tear production and/or excessive tear evaporation associated with symptoms of ocular discomfort. These changes can reduce quality of life for many patients. There are a wide range of pathophysiological etiologies which result in similar signs and symptoms of pain, blurry vision, and grittiness due to changes on the ocular surface. The underlying etiologies can be divided into immune-mediated, inflammatory, neurosensory, and anatomical causes of dry eye disease. The clinical evaluation for the diagnosis of dry eye disease includes a history, symptom analysis, comprehensive slit lamp examination, tear function tests, as well as more novel imaging and tear sample testing. The treatment is based largely on the underlying etiology but includes interventions such as patient education, warm compresses, lid hygiene, tear supplementation, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic therapy, as well as more invasive therapies including punctal occlusion, surgical intervention, and lid correction surgery.