Current Concepts and Therapeutic Management of Dry Eye

Article information

J Korean Med Assoc. 2007;50(9):842-847

Publication date (electronic) : 2007 September 30

doi : https://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2007.50.9.842

Department of Ophthalmology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Korea. yschun100@hanmail.net

Abstract

The majority of dry eye symptoms are due to a chronic inflammation of the lacrimal functional unit resulting in a loss of tear film integrity and normal function. The tear secretion is controlled by the lacrimal functional unit consisting of the ocular surface (cornea, conjunctiva, and meibomian glands), the main lacrimal gland, and the interconnecting innervation. A lack of systemic androgen support to the lacrimal gland has been shown to be a facilitating factor in the initiation of ocular inflammation. If any portion of this functional unit is compromised, lacrimal gland support to the ocular surface is impeded. In this review, the classification and treatment of dry eye syndrome will be presented according to the A Delphi approach.

Keywords: Cyclosporine; Dysfunctional tear syndrome; Lacrimal functional unit

References

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Article information Continued

Table 1

Three major subsets of dysfunctional tear syndrome

Table 2

Guidelines for determining the severity level of DTS

^*: itching, scratch, burn, foreign body sensation, photophobia

^†: abnormal features of lid, tear film, conjunctiva, cornea and vision

^‡: luster, hyperemia, wrinkle, staining, symblepharon, cicatrization

^§: meniscus, foam, mucus, debris, oil excess

Table 3

Guidelines for treatment of DTS at each severity level

^*: punctual plug after control of inflammation