The Dry Eye Society was inaugurated in January 1990 with the aim of promoting research on dry eye, the prevalence of which is rapidly increasing in clinical settings in recent years, and improving both the quality of treatment and its dissemination. The society created "Definition and Diagnostic Criteria of Dry Eye" in 1994. After that, the society has also energetically carried out various activities such as creating worldwide diagnostic criteria for dry eye based on discussion, research and opinion exchange in international academic meetings and establishing "New Definition of, and Diagnostic Criteria for Dry Eye" in 2006.
The number of members was 30 at first and has increased to approximately 600 to date including physicians and researchers in other related fields, and the society plays its role as a valuable place for opinion exchange toward the elucidation of the mechanism of dry eye and the development of prophylaxis and treatment.
In addition, the society makes an effort to disseminate the correct understanding and treatment of the new disease, dry eye, through lecture courses held twice a year, specialized workshops in the Annual Meetings of the Japanese Ophthalmological Society and Annual Congresses of Japan Clinical Ophthalmology, and so on. Tests for, and treatment methods of dry eye have advanced with these activities, and there are an increasing number of physicians with detailed knowledge of dry eye medical care throughout the country.
The Dry Eye Society will further deepen research and aim to provide more comfortable treatment.