Causes

Tears have three layers – oily layer, watery layer, and mucus layer. Each of these layers has a purpose.

The oily layer prevents tears from evaporating or drying up too quickly; the water layer lubricates the eye and washes away the particles in the eyes; and the mucus layer spreads the watery layer over the surface of the eye evenly, helping the tears stick to the surface of the eyes.

There are different reasons one can have dry eyes:
1. Aging
2. Computer use or any near work activity
3. Indoor environment
4. Outdoor environment
5. Smoking
6. Eyelid problems
7. Medications

Signs and Symptoms

While it is not usually a serious eye condition, it may lead to discomfort. It usually affects both eyes and may cause:

1. Burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
2. Blurred vision
3. Red, scratchy or itchy eyes
4. Sensitivity to light
5. Watery eyes/tearing

Treatment

The treatment for dry eyes depends on what is causing it. The goal is to relieve the symptoms and keep your eyes healthy:

Lubricating eye drops – the most common treatment, these are also called artificial tears. It is the mainstay treatment for dry eye, aimed to help your eyes feel more comfortable

Prescription eye drops – aside from lubricating the surface of the eyes, it helps your eyes make more tears, and reduce swelling..Read more