Dry Eye Disease

Abstract

Dry eye is a common condition that has a significant impact on quality of life, leading to a feeling of discomfort and visual impairment. Additionally, it can have a pernicious effect on ocular surgical procedures, compromising the outcome of corneal, cataract and refractive surgeries. This lacrimal dysfunction syndrome is a multifactorial condition, derived from a deficiency or excessive tear evaporation. A search of the scientific literature was carried out with the aim of describing dry eye disease in a general way, providing updated information regarding its concept, epidemiology, classification, risk factors, pathophysiology, symptoms and signs, diagnostic challenges considering the complexity of the condition and its treatment. Early identification of subtypes and control of severity is crucial to improve patient welfare. The economic burden on society, and the impact of the disease on the individual, through its effect on vision, quality of life and work productivity, as well as on the psychological and physical aspects, are considerable. Therefore, it is important that ophthalmologists with the support of optometrists and ophthalmic technologists diagnose and treat the disease in its early stages, when signs and symptoms are not yet severe, which will slow down its natural progression, and possibly reduce the resulting harmful consequences.