Development of occupational ophthalmology: from dry eye syndrome to artificial tears

In this short review, we convey the history of occupational ophthalmology in the former Soviet Union that has been developed under the supervision of academician Zarifa Aliyeva. Research initiated by acad. Z. Aliyeva has provided the foundation for the new discipline of “occupational ophthalmology”. Occupational ophthalmology, as a part of occupational medicine, has a long history of development. The first studies and implementation of occupational ophthalmology in the world started in about the fourth decade of the twentieth century. Particular aspects of occupational ophthalmology depend on the specifics of the particular industry. Here we describe dry eye syndrome that has been diagnosed in millions of people worldwide. Dry eye syndrome is described as one of the consequences of certain occupations, particularly prolonged work with a computer. The structure of the ocular surface of the human eye is described for a better understanding of the consequences of a prolonged dry eye condition. Experimental data suggest that tears play the principal role in maintaining and protecting ocular surface health