Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a multifactorial disease characterized by inflammation, increased tear osmalarity and instability as well as vision impairment. It is common in women and elderly among humans and a prevalent disease in dogs within the animals. In this review, DES has been evaluated in light of the recent literatures paying particular attentions to its incidence, causes, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment. It was suggested that the current review may be useful for the young researchers and clinicians who plan to develop easy-to-apply, economical and effective treatment modalities for DES.