Insufficient Tear Production

Aqueous deficient dry eye is a type of dry eye disease that occurs when the lacrimal glands do not produce enough of the watery component of tears, which is called the aqueous layer. This causes an insufficient tear production and can lead to symptoms such as dryness, burning, stinging, itching, redness, and sensitivity to light.

In aqueous deficient dry eye, the lacrimal glands may not function properly due to aging, certain medications, autoimmune disorders, radiation therapy, or other factors. In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, aqueous deficient dry eye can also lead to blurred vision, eye fatigue, and difficulty wearing contact lenses. Treatment for aqueous deficient dry eye typically involves using artificial tears. In more severe cases, prescription eye drops, neurostimulators or punctal plugs may be recommended to increase tear production and further reduce inflammation in the eye.

-Norin Ali, OD