Dry Eye Syndrome in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: Prevalence, Etiology, and Clinical Characteristics

Figure 1

Lacrimal function unit (LFU) is composed of the “cornea, conjunctiva, lacrimal gland, meibomian gland, lids, and the sensory and motor nerves that connect them,” which protect and maintain the tear film and normal function of the ocular surface. LFU plays a regulatory role in tear secretion and tear film formation to maintain the normal physiology of the ocular surface; damage to any component of LFU leads to tear-deficient or evaporative diabetes mellitus associated dry eye syndrome.