Sleep deprivation disrupts the lacrimal system and induces dry eye disease

New insights into the effects of sleep deprivation on the eyes will inform treatment of sleep disorders. Eye surface tissues suffer severe damage if stable tear production stops and the eyes dry out. Wei Li and Zuguo Liu at Xiamen University in Fujian, China, and co-workers investigated the effect of sleep deprivation on eye health in mice. Within two days, sleep-deprived mice secreted fewer tears, showed defects in corneal cells and corneal sensitivity, and had enlarged lacrimal glands. These symptoms mimic those of dry eye disease, but sleep-deprivation dry eye has unique characteristics that should be considered during treatment. The study pointed out that lacrimal system is very sensitive to sleep deprivation, more attention should be paid to sleep deficiency induced eye problems, such as dry eye.