Eye condition · Everyday problems
Dry eye
Dry eye causes burning, grittiness, redness and blurry vision when tears are too few or evaporate too fast. Learn the causes and treatments that work.
What it is
Tears are a mix of water, oil and mucus that keeps the eye surface smooth and comfortable. Dry eye happens when you do not make enough tears, or when tears evaporate too quickly. The most common cause is blocked oil glands along the eyelid margins (meibomian gland dysfunction), which leaves the tear film without its protective oily layer.
Symptoms
- Stinging, burning or a gritty, sandy feeling
- Red eyes
- Blurry vision that clears with blinking
- Watery eyes, as the eye makes reflex tears
- Sensitivity to light and wind
- Trouble wearing contact lenses
Who is at risk
Dry eye is more common after 50 and in women, especially after menopause. Other factors include long screen use, contact lenses, dry or windy environments, LASIK, autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis, and medicines such as antihistamines, some antidepressants and blood pressure drugs.
How it is diagnosed
An eye doctor examines the tear film and eyelids with a microscope and may use dyes to see dry spots, measure how fast tears break up, and measure tear volume.
Treatment
- Preservative-free artificial tears, gels and night ointments
- Warm compresses and lid hygiene
- Prescription anti-inflammatory drops
- Punctal plugs that keep tears on the eye longer
- In-office treatments for blocked oil glands
- Treating related conditions and reviewing medicines
Prevention and living with it
Blink fully during screen work, take regular breaks, keep fans and vents away from your face, use a humidifier in dry rooms, wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors and stay hydrated. Rate your symptoms with our dry eye score.
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Questions people ask
Which eye drops are best for dry eye?
Preservative-free artificial tears are a good start, especially if you use drops often. Avoid drops that promise to get the red out for regular use, as they can make redness worse over time.
Can dry eye damage vision?
Mild dry eye causes discomfort and blur that clears with blinking. Severe untreated dry eye can damage the eye surface, so persistent symptoms should be checked.