title: Diagnosis and primary care management of tear film deficiencies.
abstract: The tear film is a complex physical and biochemical structure. It functions to lubricate and protect the ocular surface from a variety of insults. Disorders of the tear film can lead to patient complaints as well as observable clinical signs. Combining clinical observations with a knowledge of the dynamic interaction of the tear film and the ocular surface should allow the practitioner to develop a management plan for symptomatic patients. This article details the many tests available for assessing tear film and ocular surface integrity, and discusses means of managing complications.
authors.affiliation: School of Optometry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Semes
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007638:Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008055:Lipids / Q000172:deficiency; D009077:Mucins / Q000172:deficiency; D011320:Primary Health Care; D013666:Tears / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D008055:Lipids; D009077:Mucins