[Ocular dryness related to systemic medications]

Abstract

Iatrogenic ocular dry eye disease remains a frequent associated cause of ocular dryness. Lachrymal secretion depends on hormonal and nervous factors. Anticholinergic agents play an important role in ocular dryness because of hyposecretion. Sexual hormones and particularly androgens greatly influence lachrymal and meibomian secretions leading to the main symptoms found during menopause or hormone replacement therapy. Rare causes such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and Lyell disease must be identified and promptly managed to avoid severe complications. The treatment of iatrogenic ocular dryness is mainly based on lubricants while trying to decrease the use of desiccating systemic treatments.