Science, theory support nutritional influences on today’s dry eye disease
The role of science and theory behind the nutritional influences on dry eye disease is explored by the co-authors.
Take home message
The role of science and theory behind the nutritional influences on dry eye disease is explored by the co-authors.
By Audrey Talley Rostov, MD, and Ellen Troyer, MT MA, Special to Ophthalmology Times
Dry eye disease today goes beyond thinking about increased tear evaporation versus decreased aqueous production. As evidence, it is now known the disease is multifactorial, inflammatory-mediated, and may include a combination of aqueous and evaporative factors (AAO PPP–Dry Eye Syndrome, 2013).
Further, newer diagnostic testing (AcuTarget HD, AcuFocus) and imaging can help the clinician in the dry eye diagnosis and provide objective means for patient education. Ocular surface imaging may provide diagnostic clues to refractive instability.
Treatment options for dry eye disease have included artificial tear supplementation, topical cyclosporine, topical steroids, and punctal occlusion. Now, nutritional supplementation (BioTears, Biosyntrx) is an area receiving more interest in the management of dry eye disease.
This article will focus on the science and theory behind nutritional influences on dry eye.
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