Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesRisk FactorsSigns and SymptomsPreventionWhen to Seek TreatmentFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Risk Factors
Signs and Symptoms
Prevention
When to Seek Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Dry eyeis a condition in which tears do not properly lubricate the eye. This can lead to a painful and irritating sensation in the eye(s) and serious complications, includingblurry visionandvision loss.
Read on to learn why your eyes could be dry, as well as prevention and treatment methods.
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In healthy eyes, tears are produced in glands above the eye. When you blink, a tear film spreads over the eyeball, protecting the eye and keeping the eyeball moist, which helps with vision. The tears then drain into your tear ducts, found at the inner corners of your eyes.
When something in this process goes wrong, dry eye can occur.
There are a host of reasons that your tear system might not work correctly. Some common risk factors for dry eye include:
Environmental factors also contribute to dry eye. If it’s very hot or windy where you are, your tears will evaporate more quickly. In addition, smoke, allergens and other irritants can dry out the eye.
Easy Solutions for Screen-Related Eye Issues
If you have dry eyes, you’ll usually notice your eyes feeling irritated.
Other symptoms of dry eye include:
An Overview of Dry Eye Syndrome
In many cases, dry eye isn’t something you can control. However, if you suffer from dry eye, there are some measures you can take to minimize the dry, itchy feeling, including:
When to Seek Professional Treatment
If you consistently have dry eyes, or start experiencing any vision changes like blurriness, you should speak with your healthcare provider. They can recommendtreatment for dry eyes, including:
What Are the Best Eye Drops for Dry Eyes?
Summary
Dry eye occurs when a person’s eyes do not produce enough tears to lubricate them properly. Dry eyes can cause pain and irritation in the eyes and lead to vision changes or loss. Actions can be taken to prevent dry eye, and treatment options are available.
A Word From Verywell
It’s common for people to experience dry, scratchy eyes occasionally. However, if you constantly wonder why your eyes are so dry, you might have chronic dry eye. Fortunately, dry eye is very treatable with a combination of lifestyle changes and medical treatment. Remember that dry eye isn’t just an irritation; it’s an actual medical condition that can have a lasting impact on your vision if it’s not treated.
Frequently Asked QuestionsIf your eyes are irritated, try using an artificial tear product without additives or preservatives.You should also avoid contact lenses and minimize screen time.Many people experience dry eyes occasionally. However, if you frequently have dry, itchy eyes, you might have chronic dry eye. You should talk to your healthcare provider about options like eye drops or supplements that can help control your symptoms.If you have irritated eyes, you might experience relief soon after you use artificial tears. However, it can take much longer to address the causes of dry eye. If you have dry eyes often, talk to your healthcare provider about preventative measures and treatments, which might include taking supplements or using prescription eye drops.
If your eyes are irritated, try using an artificial tear product without additives or preservatives.You should also avoid contact lenses and minimize screen time.
Many people experience dry eyes occasionally. However, if you frequently have dry, itchy eyes, you might have chronic dry eye. You should talk to your healthcare provider about options like eye drops or supplements that can help control your symptoms.
If you have irritated eyes, you might experience relief soon after you use artificial tears. However, it can take much longer to address the causes of dry eye. If you have dry eyes often, talk to your healthcare provider about preventative measures and treatments, which might include taking supplements or using prescription eye drops.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Eye Institute.Dry eye.National Eye Institute.Causes of dry eye.American Optometric Association.Dry eye.
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Eye Institute.Dry eye.National Eye Institute.Causes of dry eye.American Optometric Association.Dry eye.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Eye Institute.Dry eye.National Eye Institute.Causes of dry eye.American Optometric Association.Dry eye.
National Eye Institute.Dry eye.
National Eye Institute.Causes of dry eye.
American Optometric Association.Dry eye.
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