An estimated 4- to 6-million older Americans suffer from mild to severe dry eyes. Dry eye syndrome has a wide variety of causes. This condition, while not life threatening, can be quite uncomfortable and distressing.

David Sullivan, a medical research scientist with the Schepens Eye Research Institute (a Harvard Medical School Affiliate), has spent the last 32 years studying the interrelationships between sex, sex steroids, and dry eye disease. His work has focused on the essential role that androgens play in the health and vital functioning of tear-producing glands.

Dr. Sullivan’s research suggests that testosterone deficiency contributes to tear instability and evaporation of the oil component of the tear layer. He supports the use of testosterone in the treatment of dry eye syndrome.