What if the very windows to your soul were at risk? That's right, we're talking about your eyes, and more specifically, the pervasive and complex problem of dry eye disease. This episode unravels the intricacies of your eye's anatomy, focusing on the tear film, an all-important three-layered system that keeps your peepers well-lubricated. We examine how the mucus, aqueous or water, and lipid or oil layers harmonize to maintain your ocular health, along with the roles played by your brain, eyelids, and eye surface cells.

Don't blink, or you might miss our comprehensive deep-dive into dry eye disorder that affects a staggering 5 to 30% of the world's population. From nerve inflammation to immune attacks, we explore the many culprits of this condition, including the role of Sjogren's syndrome, long-term contact lens use, laser surgery, certain medications, and environmental factors. More importantly, we shine a light on potential remedies, discussing eye drops, the pros of blocking the drainage tear duct, and the new-age drugs like cyclosporine and nerve growth factor. Tune in to understand the tears behind your tear film and arm yourself with the knowledge to take better care of your eyes.