Dry eyes is a very common problem that generally occurs when the tears are unable to lubricate the eyes. This can happen due to a number of reasons. For instance, the condition might occur if you are not producing enough natural tears or if you are producing low-quality tears. The condition feels quite uncomfortable mainly because the eyes burn and sting.

Dry eyes may be enhanced for patients if they spend too much time in air-conditioned rooms or in airplanes. Looking at the computer screen constantly or riding a bike can also result in this problem. Treatments for this issue are typically over-the-counter and offer much-required relief.

What are the symptoms of dry eyes?

The symptoms of dry eye syndrome are as follows:

• Itchy and red eye(s)
• Burning sensation
• Aching sensation
• Fatigued eyes
• Heavy eyes
• Dryness
• Sore eyes
• Blurred vision
• Photophobia or light sensitivity
• Foreign body sensation, or feeling or grit or foreign material in the eye
• Permanent damage to the eye surface
• Inflammation

Watery eyes can also be a common sign of dry eye syndrome. This generally happens because the dryness on the surface of the eye over-stimulates the production of watery content in the form of a protective layer. However, this watery tear does not remain for a very long time in the eye, and thus the underlying dry eye syndrome is not corrected.

What are the causes of dry eyes?

This is a condition that generally occurs due to the lack of sufficient tears. The tears produced by the human eye are a complicated blend of fatty oils, mucus, and water. This blend helps in making the eye surface clear and smooth. It also helps in protecting the eyes from all kinds of infections. Decreased production of tears remains one of the most common causes of dry eyes. However, for many individuals, increased evaporation of tears and imbalance in the makeup of tears might also be the causes of this condition. Common causes for the decreased production of tears resulting in dry eye syndrome are as follows:

• Aging-related medical problems (i.e., rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, Sjogren’s syndrome, vitamin A deficiency, thyroid disorders, lupus and scleroderma), which cause low tear production.
• Laser eye surgery might also result in low tear production.
• Damage of the tear gland due to radiation or inflammation.

Causes of increased production of tears resulting in dry eyes are as follows:

• Dry air, wind, or smoke
• Eyelid issues (i.e., un-turning or out-turning of the lids)
• Lack of blinking
• Disease (i.e., lupus)
• Issues that don’t allow the eyelids to close all the way
• Environmental factors
• Blepharitis or inflammation around the edge of the eyelids

What are the medicines that can result in dry eye syndrome?

Medicines that can result in dry and itchy eyes include:

• Antihistamines
• Certain diuretics
• Decongestants
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme
• Certain sleeping pills
• Acne drugs and isotretinoin-type medicines
• Birth control drugs
• Antidepressants
• Opiate-based painkillers such as morphine

How is the condition diagnosed?

• Eye care experts need to be consulted for determining the cause and treatment strategies.
• Certain ocular tests might also be carried out.

How is the condition treated?

• By prescribing over-the-counter topical medicines (i.e.,  gels, artificial tears and ointments)
• Lifestyle and environmental changes
• Smoking cessation
• Surgical procedures and FDA-approved devices for stimulating the nerves and glands connected to the production of tears
• Eye drops and lifestyle changes are the most common treatments for dry eyes.