Dry Eye Disease

Dry Eye Disease is a multifactorial disorder characterized by tear film instability and ocular surface damage due to either inadequate tear production or excessive evaporation, primarily driven by Meibomian gland dysfunction. It predominantly affects older adults (≥50 years), with higher prevalence in women, and shows seasonal variation with increased incidence in spring. Environmental factors such as high temperature, air pollutants (e.g., carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide), and living in industrial areas contribute to disease development. Pathophysiology involves tear film osmolarity imbalance, immune cell infiltration, ocular surface inflammation, and altered lipid composition in tears, including increased saturated long-chain fatty acids, reduced unsaturated fatty acids, and abnormal levels of specific lipid classes such as wax esters, diesters, OAHFAs, cholesterol esters, and triglycerides. These changes reflect disrupted lipid layer function and are associated with the clinical manifestations of dry eye.
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