Tear Function and Abnormalities of Ocular Surface: Relationship with Subjective Symptoms of Dry Eye in lbadan, Nigeria

Introduction

Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca, tear instability) is a disorder of the tear film due to tear deficiency or excessive evaporation and is associated with symptoms of discomfort and ocular irritation such as feeling hot, dry, gritty or sandy, burning, smarting sensation, itching, watering or tearing.1,2 Dry eye is one of the commonest afflictions affecting humans, especially the aged. It has been observed that over half of the adult population and a large number of teenagers presenting inan eye clinic have symptoms related to ocular surface disease and dry eyes.' Itching eyes may often be due to keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) rather than allerqy.' Watering eyes may be caused by reflex tearing secondary to the irritation of KCS and ocular surface diseases