Your father most likely has dry eye syndrome. Mine lead to corneal erosion. There is an explosion of research now on Lactoferrin for many purposes: ulcers, gastrointestinal flora balance, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, osteoporosis, autoimmune disorders such as arthritis, dry eye syndrome, et al.
Here is a url that might interest you re dry eye syndrome:
http://abstracts.iovs.org/cgi/content/abstract/46/5/2046
This particular study used 270 mg per day.
If your father is elderly, this may be very helpful in so many ways.
Read about dry eye syndrome by using search feature on this site. These symptoms are very strongly suggestive of dry eyes.
MJK MD