Issue 6/2023
Bacheva, V.
Dry eye syndrome is a chronic and progressive condition that is characterized by a violation of the quantity or quality of tears produced. The function of tears is to moisten the eyes, to protect them from infection or injury. The tear film consists of 3 layers – aqueous, mucous and lipid. The aqueous layer contributes to over 90% of the amount of tears, is produced by the lacrimal glands, has a protective and nourishing function. The mucous layer is produced by the conjunctiva, it helps spread the aqueous layer over the cornea. The lipid layer is produced by the Meibomian glands. It is the outermost layer of the tear film, prevents the evaporation of tears and their shedding, contributes to the stabilization of the film. In the lipid layer is the most common cause of dry eye – due to dysfunction of the Meibomian glands – in over 86% of cases of dry eye.
Address for correspondence:
Bacheva, V
MBAL „Sveta Sofia“
104, „Bulgaria“, Blvd., Manastirski livadi
1618, Sofia