Dry Eye: 2013 Chinese Clinical Expert Consensus
The 2013 Chinese consensus defines dry eye as tear-film instability causing discomfort, and recommends identifying causes, lubricating, and protecting the ocular surface.
What Is Dry Eye
Dry eye is a disorder of the tear film that causes discomfort, visual disturbance, and sometimes surface damage. It results from poor tear quantity or quality, or faster evaporation.
Common Symptoms
People feel dryness, burning, gritty sensation, or redness. Eyes may water reflexively, tire easily, and become sensitive to light or screen use. Symptoms often worsen through the day.
Causes to Consider
Causes include aging, screen time, dry environments, certain medications, and eyelid or systemic disease. Contact lens use and less blinking during near work increase risk.
How It Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis uses symptoms plus tests of tear break-up time, staining, and secretion. A careful history helps find reversible triggers and rule out other eye-surface disease.
Basic Management
First remove or reduce aggravating factors and improve the environment. Artificial tears lubricate the surface. Preservative-free drops suit frequent use; severe cases need clinician review.
Protecting Your Eyes
Take regular screen breaks, blink fully, and keep air moist. A warm compress helps some types. Follow up if pain, vision loss, or no relief occurs, and avoid unsupervised drops.
