The Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye disease (DED) is common; its prevalence around the world varies from 5% to 34%. Its putative pathogenetic mechanisms include hyperosmolarity of the tear film and inflammation of the ocular surface and lacrimal gland. Dry eye is clinically subdivided into two subtypes: one with decreased tear secretion (aqueous-deficient DED), and one with increased tear evaporation (hyperevaporative DED).

This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective PubMed search and on the authors' own clinical and scientific experience.