Dry Eyes

Where are all the tears?

If your eyes feel uncomfortable—scratchy, burning, stinging or like you have something gritty in them—you may be suffering from a condition called dry eye.

Dry eye occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough tears to keep your eyes lubricated, or when the tears you do produce don’t have the right chemical composition. There are many reasons for dry eye, including age (you naturally produce fewer tears as you age), menopause, medications (such as antihistamines, oral contraceptives and antidepressants), a dry climate, or health problems like arthritis.

Dry eye can damage your eyes by scarring the cornea or damaging eye tissue. It can make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable.

Your optometrist can determine if you have dry eye with a thorough exam of your eyes. There are no cures for dry eye, but your doctor may recommend moisturizing lotions or artificial tears (eye drops). Changes in your habits may also help: more frequent blinking, drinking more water, or increasing the humidity in your home. In severe cases, your doctor may recommend plugs or surgery to slow the drainage of tears from your eyes.

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