Dry Eye/Ocular Surface Disease

Hussam E. Banna, MD

Beth Friedland, MD

Sinthu Ranjan, MD

Mohammad Soleimani, MD, FICO

Bonnie Sklar, MD

Excellence in Ocular Surface Disease (OSD) Care at UNC Ophthalmology

Ocular Surface Disease (OSD) encompasses a diverse group of eye conditions affecting the outermost layer of the eye, including dry eye disease (DED), Stevens-Johnson syndrome, chemical and thermal burns, aniridia (a rare congenital absence of the iris), and ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (an autoimmune condition leading to scarring). Among these, DED stands as the most prevalent, caused by insufficient tear production or rapid tear evaporation, which results in chronic discomfort and potential visual impairment.

At the UNC Department of Ophthalmology, a team of five subspecialty-trained ophthalmologists delivers expert, cutting-edge care for patients with these conditions. Our specialists provide comprehensive consultation, diagnosis, and management of OSD and DED. When conventional medical treatments are insufficient, they collaborate closely with patients to explore advanced procedural interventions. Surgical care, when necessary, is provided at UNC Hospitals Hillsborough—a premier center for ophthalmologic surgery.

As research into dry eye disease expands, the understanding of its connections to systemic health conditions has significantly advanced. For instance, diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) are now recognized as major contributors to DED. In such cases, our specialists ensure prompt referrals to appropriate subspecialists within UNC’s multidisciplinary network to provide holistic care. UNC Ophthalmology also collaborates with the prestigious North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center—the state’s largest burn treatment facility—offering expert care for complex conditions such as ocular burns, DED, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Meet Our Specialists

At the UNC Kittner Eye Center in Chapel Hill, our distinguished team of dry eye specialists includes Professor of Ophthalmology Dr. Beth R. Friedland, Assistant Professor Dr. Hussam E. Banna, Assistant Professor Dr. Sinthu Ranjan, Professor of Ophthalmology Dr. Mohammad Soleimani, and Assistant Professor Dr. Bonnie Sklar. These specialists are dedicated to providing exceptional care for DED. In addition to the Kittner Eye Center, they also extend their expertise to other clinics within the UNC Health network, including UNC Park Ophthalmology in Raleigh (Friedland), UNC Eye Holly Springs (Banna, Sklar), and UNC Eye Roxboro (Ranjan).

Dr. Mohammad Soleimani holds advanced subspecialty training in cornea and external diseases as well as ocular surface disease, positioning him as a key authority in these fields. His additional expertise in ocular surface and regenerative medicine—including pioneering work in stem cell transplantation—distinguishes UNC Kittner Eye Center as a leading referral center for patients with challenging ocular surface disorders. Dr. Soleimani’s unique dual subspecialization equips UNC Ophthalmology with unparalleled skills in diagnosing and treating the full spectrum of OSD, particularly in patients requiring complex and regenerative interventions.

To learn more about symptoms and treatment of dry eye disease from the NIH National Eye Institute (NEI), click here.