Condition Basics

What is dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome is a problem involving your tears.

Your eyes need tears to stay clean and healthy. Tears are made by glands behind your upper eyelid. Every time you blink, the tears are pushed across your eye, keeping it moist. They flow into tiny openings, called tear ducts, in the inner corners of your eyelids, where they drain away.

With dry eye syndrome, your tear glands don't make enough tears or your tears evaporate too fast.

This problem is more common in older adults and in those with certain diseases, such as diabetes, allergic conjunctivitis, or Sjögren's syndrome.

Dry eye syndrome may go away with treatment. But for some people, it can be a lifetime problem.

What causes it?

Dry eyes can be caused by everyday things, like being outdoors in the wind and sun, staring at a computer screen, or just being tired. Being around cigarette smoke may also cause dry eyes.

Other possible causes include:

• Certain medicines, such as antihistamines and some antidepressants.
• Wearing contact lenses for too many hours at a time.
• Certain eye surgeries, such as LASIK.

For many people, it's just part of getting older.

What are the symptoms?

When your eyes are too dry, they feel itchy, scratchy, and irritated.

How is it diagnosed?

An eye doctor can usually tell that you have dry eye syndrome during a regular exam and hearing about your symptoms.

In some cases, you may have a special test to see if your eyes are making enough tears.

How is dry eye syndrome treated?

To help soothe your dry eyes, you can try artificial-tear eyedrops or ointments that you can buy over the counter. Don't use eyedrops that are meant to treat red, bloodshot eyes. Those might make your eyes feel worse.

You can also try to blink a lot, especially if you spend a lot of time staring at a computer screen.

Limit your time in air-conditioned or heated rooms. Try a humidifier in rooms where you spend a lot of time. Follow the directions for cleaning the machine. Wearing sunglasses can help protect your eyes from wind and sun.

See an eye doctor, either an optometrist or an ophthalmologist, if your symptoms don't get better. You may need treatment, because too much dryness can damage your eyes.