With each blink of the eyelids, tears are spread across the front surface of the eye, known as the cornea. Tears provide lubrication, reduce the risk of eye infection, wash away foreign matter in the eye, and keep the surface of the eyes smooth and clear. Excess tears in the eyes flow into small drainage ducts, in the inner corners of the eyelids, which drain in the back of the nose.
Dry eyes can result from an improper balance of tear production and drainage.
The most common form of dry eyes is due to an inadequate amount of the water layer of tears. This condition, called keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), is also referred to as dry eye syndrome.
People with dry eyes may experience symptoms of irritated, gritty, scratchy, or burning eyes, a feeling of something in their eyes, excess watering, and blurred vision. Advanced dry eyes may damage the front surface of the eye and impair vision.
Dry eye syndrome usually affects both eyes, but one eye may be affected more. Common symptoms and signs of dry eye syndrome include:
• Eye discomfort, such as stinging, burning or a scratchy sensation
• Eye redness and/or eyelid redness
• Blurry vision or fluctuating vision
• Tearing
• Eye fatigue after reading for a period of time
• Light sensitivity, including glare or starbursts around lights
• Irritation from smoke or wind blowing into the eyes
• Waking up with stringy material in the corner of the eyes
• Uncomfortable contact lenses, especially towards end of day
• Eye infections, including from contact lens wear
• Scarring of the cornea (front clear window of the eye) in advanced cases
When dry eye symptoms affect vision or eye comfort, a detailed examination by your eye doctor can lead to treatment to improve or control these symptoms.
