Dry eyes

Definition:

Dry eyes are caused by a lack of tears. Tears are necessary for the normal lubrication of your eyes and to wash away particles and foreign bodies.

Alternative Names:

Tearing - decreased; Eyes - dry

Considerations:

If you have dry eyes, you will feel a burning, scratching, or stinging sensation. You may also have strained or tired eyes after reading, even for short periods of time. If you wear contacts, they will likely feel uncomfortable. Having dry eyes for a while can lead to tiny abrasions on the surface of your eyes.

Common Causes:

Common causes of dry eyes include:

Aging
Dry environment or workplace (wind, air conditioning)
Sun exposure
Smoking or second-hand smoke exposure
Cold or allergy medicines
An eye injury or other problem with your eyes or eyelids (like a drooping eyelid or bulging eyes )
Sjogrens syndrome -- includes dry eyes, mouth, and mucus membranes, and often rheumatoid arthritis or other joint disorder

References:

Foulks GN. The evolving treatment of dry eye. Ophthalmol Clin North Am . 2003; 16(1): 29-35.

Mahoney EJ. Sjögren's disease. Otolaryngol Clin North Am . 2003; 36(4): 733-745.

Lacrimal gland

Review Date: 11/14/2005
Reviewed By: Edward B. Feinberg, MD, MPH, Professor and Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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