Dry Eye: Mechanisms, Natural History, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Virtually all dry-eye conditions share an increase in tear-film osmolarity. Tear-film osmolarity increases due to either decreased tear production or increased tear film evaporation. This increase in tear-film ocular surface system can be divided into four physiological milestones: 1) loss of water from the tear film, 2)decreased goblet cell density and decreased corneal glycogen, 3) increased corneal dequamation, and 4) loss of corneal cell surface glycoproteins. The natural history of dry-eye disease determines the sensitivity of diagnostic tests and the efficacy of treatment. Currently, patient history is the most sensitive “diagnostic test” for dry eye. In preclinical studies, TheraTears (Advanced Vision Research) restored goblet cells, restored corneal glycogen, and promoted healing by lowering elevated tear film osmolarity and by providing a tear-matched electrolyte balance to the ocular surface. Recently, this agent has been shown to restore conjunctival goblet cells in the dry-eye condition seen after LASIK vision correction surgery.
Jeffrey P. Gilbard, MD
Company: Mediconcepts, Inc
CE Credits: 1
CE Format: PDF
COPE ID: 18255-SD
Problem with a course or test? Click HERE
to request help from the CE provider.