Abstract
The majority of dry eye symptoms are due to a chronic inflammation of the lacrimal functional unit resulting in a loss of tear film integrity and normal function. The tear secretion is controlled by the lacrimal functional unit consisting of the ocular surface (cornea, conjunctiva, and meibomian glands), the main lacrimal gland, and the interconnecting innervation. A lack of systemic androgen support to the lacrimal gland has been shown to be a facilitating factor in the initiation of ocular inflammation. If any portion of this functional unit is compromised, lacrimal gland support to the ocular surface is impeded. In this review, the classification and treatment of dry eye syndrome will be presented according to the A Delphi approach.
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