We need tears to keep our eyes healthy, clean, and lubricated.
Tears spread across your eyes every time you blink. Dry eye syndrome (also called dry eye disease) occurs when your tear glands don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. The result is dry, itchy eyes.
For some people, dry eye syndrome goes away with treatment. But for others, it can be a lifelong problem.
Doctors define dry eye syndrome as an issue related to tears and the inability to keep eyes wet. Also called dry eye disease, it can happen when tears, tear glands, or tear ducts don't function as they should.
Tears are vital for eye health and vision. Created by tear glands behind the upper eyelid, they nourish the eye with lubrication and wetness. This lubrication keeps the eye's surface clean and provides vision for everyday life.
Tears flow into tear ducts, the tiny openings in the corner of the eyelids, where they drain away. When tears aren’t being created properly, dry eye syndrome can occur. This can create uncomfortable symptoms in and around the eyes, including severe vision problems.
Dry eye syndrome is often a chronic condition, particularly in older adults. Many options are available to increase your tear production or mimic tears to keep your eyes lubricated, clear, and clean.
What causes dry eyes?
Dry eyes occur when your tears don't function properly.
This could mean:
Dry eyes can be caused by things most people do every day, like staring at a computer screen, spending time outdoors, being in air-conditioned or heated environments, or just having a long day and being tired.
While dry eye syndrome can affect anybody, your risk increases if you:
If left untreated, dry eyes can damage the eye's front surface or permanently impair vision.
For many adults, dry eye disease is part of the aging process. Still, there are some measures you can take to prevent and reduce the symptoms of dry eyes.
These include:
Dry eye syndrome is common, affecting millions of Americans every year.
You may be experiencing dry eye syndrome if your eyes are:
If you have any of the above symptoms, you should schedule a visit with your eye doctor. Dry eye disease can cause lasting damage to your eyes and your vision, so it’s important not to delay seeking medical attention.
Your eye doctor will perform a slit lamp examination to diagnose dry eye syndrome. Just like during a regular eye appointment, your doctor may use eye drops to dilate your pupils so they can check your eyes for other issues besides dry eye.
To test the quality of your tears, your eye doctor may:
Your doctor may also ask about your tears and how often you're experiencing symptoms.
There are many treatment options available for dry eye disease. Some people have chronic dry eyes but can still find remedies to keep their eyes lubricated and their vision clear.
Treatment focuses on restoring or maintaining a normal amount of tear production for daily function and to lessen dryness and discomfort.
During or after treatment, alert your doctor if your dry eye gets worse and interferes with daily activities.
Eye drops are the most common and effective way to treat dry eye disease.
People with mild dry eye disease typically use artificial tears, which can be bought without a prescription at most stores. You can also find over-the-counter (OTC) moisturizing ointments and gels that may help.
Eye drops meant to treat red, bloodshot eyes may worsen dry eyes, so be sure to read the labels or talk to your doctor before purchasing eye drops.
Your doctor may prescribe medicine if your dry eye is more severe. These drugs typically help your tear glands produce more tears.
To decrease symptoms and increase comfort, your doctor may prescribe:
Similar to the lifestyle changes that prevent dry eyes, these methods can also help reduce symptoms if you're experiencing dry eyes.
To help reduce the severity of dry eye disease:
It’s also important to monitor your sleep schedule. You should sleep at least seven hours every night to prevent tired, overworked eyes.
Some people have dry eyes because their tear ducts are draining tears too quickly, so doctors may suggest tear duct plugs. Conserving tears will help keep your natural tears in your eyes longer. Your doctor will discuss how these special plugs (punctal plugs) are inserted and how they function.
In some instances, other health issues cause dry eyes. Treating that condition may improve dry eye symptoms.
Talking with your doctors about your overall health can help determine what's causing your dry eyes.
Rarely, in more severe cases, your doctor may suggest eyelid surgery.
Surgery is performed if your bottom eyelids are too loose, causing tears to drain too quickly. Surgery is rare with dry eye syndrome, and doctors will work to find other solutions first.
By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-01-15 by Roheena Kamya, MD.
