Dry Eye
Some people do not produce enough tears or the appropriate quality of tears to keep the eye healthy and comfortable. This is known as dry eye, and can become quite debilitating for some people.
What are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?
Symptoms of dry eye include stinging or burning eyes, scratchiness, stringy mucus around the eye, intermittent blurry vision and excess tearing.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Tear production normally decreases as we age and women are affected more often than men. This is especially true after menopause. Also, a wide variety of common medications can cause dry eye by reducing tear secretion. Some of these medications include diuretics, beta-blockers, antihistamines, sleeping pills, anti-anxiety medications and pain relievers.
How is Dry Eye Diagnosed?
Dry eye is usually diagnosed during your eye exam. Your eye physician can perform tests that measure tear production.