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Lacrimal Disorders Updated 4/2011

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BASICS

  • Description
  • Epidemiology
  • Risk Factors
  • General Prevention
  • Pathophysiology
  • Etiology
  • Associated Conditions

DIAGNOSIS

  • Signs and Symptoms
  • Tests
  • Differential Diagnosis

TREATMENT

  • Medication (Drugs)
  • Additional Treatment
  • Surgery

Ongoing Care

  • Follow-Up Recommendations
  • Diet
  • Patient Education
  • Prognosis
  • Complications
The following is an excerpt....
BASICS
Description
  • Diseases and abnormalities of tear production and maintenance of tear film
  • The most common lacrimal disorder is dry eye syndrome.
  • Lacrimal duct disorders usually result in overflow tearing.
  • System(s) affected: Skin/Exocrine
Epidemiology
Prevalence

Very common throughout US, more often seen in arid climates:

  • Predominant gender: Female > Male
  • Predominant age: Dry eye symptoms increase with age; most often seen in elderly

Risk Factors
  • Exposure to dry environments
  • History of collagen vascular disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren syndrome, thyroid disease, rosacea, Bell palsy, eyelid abnormalities
  • Oral contraceptive, diuretic, β-blocker, and antihistamine use
  • Vitamin A deficiency
General Prevention
  • Prevent exposure to eye irritants from pollution, cigarette smoke, and sun exposure.
  • Ensure adequate vitamin A intake through diet ...

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See Also
Images >
1.3. A: Blepharitis is associated with crusting of the eyelashes, thickening of the eyelids, telangiectatic vessels along the lid margins, and plugging of the meibomian glands. Credit: From Tasman W, Jaeger E. The Wills Eye Hospital Atlas of Clinical Ophthalmology, 2e. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2001
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