Overuse of Lubricating Eye Drops

Too much lubricating liquid in the eye creates an unsuitable environment for the blink mechanism. Too many lubricating drops also interfere with normal tear film function and the blink feedback loop.

When there is too much liquid, in the eye it may be difficult to close the eye completely, resulting in an incomplete blink that ultimately interferes with meibum secretion.

Overuse of lubricating drops can interfere with goblet cells and mucin layer production.

For more information about the blink feedback loop see:

Why the eye becomes dry: a cornea and lacrimal gland feedback model
Mathers WD.
The CLAO Journal : official publication of the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists
2000 Jul;26(3):159-65
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Dysfunctional neural regulation of lacrimal gland secretion and its role in the pathogenesis of dry eye syndromes
Dartt DA.
The Ocular Surface
2004 Apr;2(2):76-91
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