title: The dry eye: an introduction.
abstract: Understanding the dry eye would be a great deal easier if we thoroughly understood normal tear function. To date, many aspects of tear function remain poorly understood. Only when normal tear characteristics and function are fully illuminated will the treatment of tear abnormalities and ocular surface disease be remedied. This instructional article aims to provide the reader with basic information regarding tear production, abnormalities, and current therapies in order to permit ophthalmic health care providers to intervene and teach patients who suffer from the frustrating and often chronic maladies associated with a dry eye.
authors.affiliation: University of Iowa Health Care, Department of Ophthalmology, Iowa City, IA, USA.
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D019882:Blepharoplasty / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000451:nursing*; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D013666:Tears / Q000502:physiology