The tears your eyes normally produce are necessary for overall eye health and clear vision. Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or produce tears that do not have the proper chemical composition. Dry eye symptoms can result from the normal aging process, hormonal changes, environmental conditions, excessive computer work, medications, and other health conditions such as diabetes.
The common symptoms of dry eye include, stinging, gritty, scratchy and uncomfortable eyes, fluctuating vision, burning sensation and excessive tears.
Through additional testing your optometrist can diagnose your dry eye condition and provide treatment options. While this is usually a chronic condition, your comfort can be improved and eye health maintained; if left untreated, excessive dry eye can damage tissue and impair vision.