Abstract: Dry eye and systemic medications

Short and French, but it's nice to see systemic drugs mentioned more, including HRT.

J Fr Ophtalmol. 2009 Jan;32(1):64-70. Epub 2009 Feb 5.
[Ocular dryness related to systemic medications][Article in French]

Creuzot-Garcher C.
Service d'Ophtalmologie, hôpital général, CHU de Dijon, 3, rue du Faubourg Raines, BP 159, 21033 Dijon cedex, France. catherine.creuzot-garcher@chu-dijon.fr

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.