Dry eye disease, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a common disorder in which the eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears produced are unable to lubricate the eyes. The disease is multifactorial and is characterized by disruption in the homeostasis of the tear film, a thin liquid layer that covers the ocular mucosal surfaces. The pathophysiology of dry eye involves a vicious cycle of hyperosmolarity and tear film instability, which results in increasing ocular surface inflammation and damage as well as neurosensory anomalies. There are various contributing factors that can lead to the development of dry eyes, such as local ocular abnormalities, iatrogenic causes including surgeries and medications, and certain systemic diseases. Patients with moderate-to-severe dry eye experience a significant decline in quality of life as they are unable to pursue everyday activities, and can also experience pain, low vitality, poor health, and even depression. 

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