Dry Eyes

Eye Diseases and Conditions Slideshow

• Introduction to dry eyes
• What causes dry eyes?
• How are dry eyes treated?

Introduction

The eye depends on the flow of tears to provide constant moisture and lubrication to maintain vision and comfort. Tears are a combination of water, for moisture; oils, for lubrication; mucus, for even spreading; and antibodies and special proteins, for resistance to infection. These components are secreted by special glands located around the eye. When there is an imbalance in this tear system, a person may experience dry eyes.

When tears do not adequately lubricate the eye, a person may experience:

• Pain
• Light sensitivity
• A gritty sensation
• A feeling of a foreign body or sand in the eye
• Itching
• Redness
• Blurring of vision

Sometimes, a person with a dry eye will have excess tears running down the cheeks, which may seem confusing. This happens when the eye isn't getting enough lubrication. The eye sends a distress signal through the nervous system for more lubrication. In response, the eye is flooded with tears to try to compensate for the underlying dryness. However, these tears are mostly water and do not have the lubricating qualities or the rich composition of normal tears. They will wash debris away, but they will not coat the eye surface properly. In addition, because these emergency tears tend to arrive too late, the eye needs to regenerate and treatment is necessary.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• cyclosporine-ophthalmic, Restasis - Consumer information about the medication CYCLOSPORINE - OPHTHALMIC (Restasis), includes side effects, drug interactions, recommended dosages, and storage information. Read more about the prescription drug CYCLOSPORINE - OPHTHALMIC.
• LASIK Eye Surgery - Get information about LASIK, refractive surgery for vision correction (of astigmatism, nearsightedness, farsightedness), risk factors (dry eyes, high myopia or hyperopia) and benefits.
• Sjogren's Syndrome - Sjogren's syndrome causes symptoms that include arthritis, dry mouth, lips and eyes, leading to eye pain. Read about diagnosis, Schirmer testing, treatment and medications.

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