Dry Eye Disease (DED) is the most common condition seen by eye care professionals. The disease has a significant impact on quality of life, with symptoms such as foreign body sensation, pain, blurry vision, dryness or watery eyes. Risk factors include, among others, skin pathologies, immunological imbalances, hormonal changes, environmental conditions, and poor hygiene.
In its evaporative form, Dry Eye Disease is mainly caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). In MGD, the meibomian glands are inflamed, blocked, displaced, or atrophied. As a result, meibum is not adequately secreted, thereby destabilizing the tear film and increasing the rate of evaporation of the aqueous layer. This exposes the cornea to pathogens, hyperosmolarity, nutrient depletion, and dehydration, which in turn leads to even more inflammation. This vicious cycle is the basis of the chronic inflammation that underlies Dry eye disease.11
