The newly appreciated roles of P2X7 purinoceptors in the goblet cell death and the ocular inflammation that characterize irreversible dry eye raises the possibility that pharmacological targeting of these purinergic receptor/channels may provide an effective therapeutic strategy for the common distressing problem of dry eye, which both patients and clinicians agree is in need of new treatment options. The gene discussed is P2RX7; the disease is Keratoconjunctivitis sicca.