Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye disease means the eye produces too few tears or tears of poor quality, causing grittiness, burning, watering and blurred vision. Treatment usually starts with artificial tear drops and continues with further options if needed.
What is dry eye?
Tears moisten and protect the surface of the eye and help us see clearly. When tears are insufficient or of poor quality, the eye surface dries out; this is known as dry eye.
Symptoms
- Grittiness, burning and pain
- Reflex watering
- Blurred vision
Who is most often affected?
- Older people and women
- Hormonal changes such as diabetes and the menopause
- Long-term contact lens, computer or phone users
- People in air-conditioned or smoky rooms, or with poor sleep patterns
- People with rheumatic diseases (dry eye may be more severe)
Diagnosis and treatment
Dry eye is diagnosed with simple tests during the examination. Treatment starts with artificial tear drops. Depending on severity, additional medicines, serum drops made from the patient's own blood and, in very advanced cases, procedures may be used.
Frequently asked questions
Who is most likely to get dry eye?
It is more common in older people and women; lens and screen use, air conditioning and some diseases increase the risk.
How is dry eye treated?
Artificial tear drops come first; further medicines and serum drops can be added if needed.
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This page is for general information only and does not replace a medical consultation. Anatomy and treatment plans differ from patient to patient.