Dry eyes

Abstract

Dry eye syndrome is a common and often chronic condition, particularly in older patients.¹ Dry eyes occur when there are insufficient tears to provide moisture on the surface of the eye.^1-3 Tears lubricate the eye and stop the surface from drying out. A thin film of tears is swept over the eye surface every time a person blinks. A watery layer of tears is topped with an even thinner coat of lipids (fatty compounds) that help to preserve the film.