Dry eye syndrome is when the eye is unable to maintain a healthy layer of tears to coat it.
See also:
Dry eye syndrome often occurs in people who are otherwise healthy. It is more common with older age, because you produce fewer tears with age.
In rare cases, it can be associated with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, and other similar diseases. It may also be caused by heat (thermal) or chemical burns.
In areas of the world where malnutrition is common, vitamin A deficiency is a cause. This is rare in the United States.
Signs include:
Tests may include:
Treatments may include:
Surgery may be used if the eyelids are in an abnormal position.
Most patients with dry eye have only discomfort, and no vision loss. With severe cases, the clear window on the front of the eye (cornea) may become damaged or infected.
Ulcers or infections of the cornea are serious complications.
See your health care provider immediately if you have dry eyes and have:
There is no way to prevent dry eye syndrome. You can prevent complications by using wetting and lubricating drops and ointments.
Keratitis sicca; Xerophthalmia; Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
Tu EY, Rheinstrom S. Dry eye. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby Elsevier; 2008:chap 4.23.
Updated by: Daniel E. Bustos, MD, MS, Private Practice specializing in Comprehensive Ophthalmology in Eugene, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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