The Anatomical Dry Eye —A Different Form of Ocular Surface Disease Deserves Focus

Abstract

Introduction: Dry eye disease is currently considered mainly tear film related ocular surface condition. This concept does, however, not respect ocular surface topography. The micro-anatomy of the corneal changes may lead to enhanced demands on the tear film and lead to significant complaints. However, they often remain undetected and hence untreated. It is suggested that the pathophysiology for an entire subgroup of dry eye disease patients is primarily of surface morphological nature. Methods: The tear film break up was observed and used to identify anatomical alterations in eyes of patients with dry eye complaints. The localization and pattern of TFBUT using fluorescein was compared between eye with normal surfaces and surface alterations. Results: Premature tear film rupture was localized at constantly same areas and did match changes on the ocular epitheliopathy in patients with diseases such as microcystic epithliopathy, MFD, and after excimer laser treatment. Disusssion: Whereas in normal surfaces TFBUT does occur within the floating tear film, the anatomical dry eye identifies itself with constant location of tear film break up and a constant spreading pattern. In contrast to the classic, tear film caused dry eye, the anatomical dry eye is accessible to treatment. This should catch our attention and intent to identify it. It is the ease of possible treatment that should make these ocular surface alterations prime target of dry eye disease diagnostic. It is hence suggested to introduce the anatomical dry eye as a subgroup in the large group of dry eye and ocular surface disease.