Glossary

Apoptosis: Genetically determined process of cell self-destruction marked by fragmentation of nuclear DNA (programmed cell death).

Compatible solutes: Naturally occurring substances that restore osmotic balance to the ocular surface from inside the cell.

Desiccation: Complete or near complete deprivation of water.

Hypertonic: Having higher osmotic pressure (greater exit of water from the cell).

Osmolarity: The concentration of an osmotic solution. Increased osmolarity leads to corneal surface damage.

Osmoprotection: A new approach to treating Dry Eye by providing cellular protection against the effects of hypertonicity.

Osmosis: Movement through a semi-permeable membrane into a solution of higher solute concentration that tends to equalize the concentrations of solute on two sides of the membrane.

Osmotic pressure: The pressure produced by or associated with osmosis. It is the pressure that must be applied to a solution to just prevent osmosis.

Solute: A dissolved substance.

Tonicity: The osmotic pressure of the solution.