No more tears? Understanding dry eye

Abstract

The eye needs tears to stay healthy and ensure clear vision. Tears are produced by the lacrimal gland, situated above the eyeball, and are released every time the eye blinks. The purpose of tears is to keep the surface of the eye (the cornea) moist and to wash away dust or foreign matter, thereby protecting the eye from infection. Of the many eye conditions treated daily, dry eye is one of the most common seen in the community pharmacy.