Dry eyes

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Introduction Signs and symptoms Causes When to seek medical advice

Screening and diagnosis Complications Treatment Self-care

Introduction

A sad movie or a wedding can make your tears flow. But tears aren't produced only on those occasions. Healthy eyes are continuously covered by a tear film — a constant layer of fluid designed to remain stable between blinks. A stable tear film prevents dry eyes and allows your eyes to maintain clear, comfortable vision.

The tear film protects your eyes and lubricates them. It also reduces the risk of eye infection and, with each blink of your eyelids, helps clear your eyes of any debris. When your eyes become irritated by dust or are bothered by wind, smoke or fumes, extra tears form to help wash away the foreign material.

Decreased production of fluids from your tear glands can destabilize the tear film, allowing it to break down rapidly and create dry spots on the clear front surface of the eye (cornea) that cause irritation and diminished vision. An imbalance in the substances that make up the tear film also lead to dry eyes.

Dry eyes are a common source of discomfort, and usually dry eyes are a chronic problem. Adults age 40 or older are most likely to experience dry eyes. Treatment of dry eyes is aimed at restoring a more normal tear film to minimize dryness and its consequences, including blurred vision and discomfort.

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Signs and symptoms