Dry Eye Disease—Clinical Diagnosis and Management

Dry eye disease is a common, progressive and debilitating condition that requires careful diagnostic evaluation for optimized management. Key pathophysiological features of this symptomatic disease include tear film instability, hyperosmolarity and ocular surface epithelial damage, each of which can incite, exacerbate and/or propagate a self-perpetuating cycle of disease with an inflammatory overlay. Identifying the triggers of this cycle allows the source of tear film deficiencies to be targeted through a variety of evidence-based management strategies. While no cure exists for this chronic disease, understanding its risk factors and recognizing and managing underlying tear film and ocular surface deficiencies allows an individualized approach to be taken in providing recommendations for the longer term control of the disease, with the aim of relieving symptoms, improving and maintaining the health of the ocular surface, and augmenting quality of life.