Osmolarity in Tear

Osmolarity Tear

Definition

The osmolarity or concentration of the ocular tear fluid will indicate if the patient is being affected by dry eye disease, which would result in a hyperosmolar tear fluid caused by either the reduction of tear fluid production by the lacrimal gland or the abnormal increase in evaporation of the tear fluid on the surface of the eye. A hyperosmolar tear film is toxic to the ocular surface resulting in cell damage, apoptosis, inflammation and an unstable tear film contributing to abnormal visual acuity. This term was created for, but is not limited in use to, the submitter's TearLab Osmolarity System.