[Prevention and treatment of degenerative changes in ocular surface epithelium in patients with dry eye syndrome].

In current understanding of the pathogenesis of xerotic changes of the ocular surface in patients with dry eye syndrome (DES), great importance is given to hyperosmolarity of the tear film, inflammatory process and oxidative stress. By now, no convincing data has been obtained on whether the oxidative stress is primary in relation to the inflammatory process in the ocular surface tissues, or if it is a complication. Furthermore, in the complex treatment of patients with DES, antioxidant therapy has so far received little attention.