Dry Eye
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Try one of these related symptoms.
Dry eye
Left eye is dry
Right eye is dry
About the Symptom
Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when the tears aren't able to provide adequate lubrication for the eyes. Dry eyes can cause blurred vision, light sensitivity, and eye pain.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Altered mental status (delirium)
- Muscle weakness in the limbs
- Eye pain
- Numbness / sensory disorder
- Jaundice
- Easy bruising
- Difficulty breathing / breathlessness
Possible Causes
Generally, Dry eye can be related to:
- Sjogren Syndrome
An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the organs that produce tears and saliva, resulting in dry eyes and dry mouth. In some cases, internal organs can also be gradually affected. Disease severity is highly variable.
- Corneal Injury
Corneal damage is an injury to the cornea, which is the transparent tissue covering the front of the eye.
- Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy
Familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAPs) are life-threatening, multisystem, inherited disorders where amyloid (an abnormal protein that can be deposited in any tissue) accumulates in nerve fibers and around nerves.
- Fibromyalgia
- Allergic Rhinitis / Allergic Conjunctivitis (Including Spring Catarrh)
- Chronic Pancreatitis
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Nephrotic Syndrome
- Uveitis
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Dry eye may be related to these serious diseases:
- Bell's Palsy
Characterized by sudden weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles, Bell's palsy is usually temporary and occurs on one side of the face. The exact cause is unknown but is believed to be due to swelling and inflammation of the nerve controlling the facial muscles or viral infection. Anyone can be affected by this condition, but pregnant women, those with lung infections, and those with a family history of the condition are at higher risk.
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Do you have dry eyes?
- When did you first start experiencing dry eyes?
- How often do you experience dry eyes?
- How are your dry eyes now?
- How severe are your dry eyes?
Reviewed By:
Ami Shah Vira, MD (Ophthalmology)
Dr. Shah Vira grew up in Arizona. She moved to Chicago to complete a combined engineering and medical program at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) and Chicago Medical School. She completed a highly competitive two year dual fellowship in Neuro-ophthalmology and Oculoplastic at the highly regarded Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Shah Vira specializes in surgical correction of the eyelids and eyebrows, eyelid malposition and tumors, excessive tearing, and conditions involving the orbit.
Masashi Mimura, MD (Ophthalmology)
Dr. Mimura Graduated from the Osaka Medical College and obtained his ophthalmologist certification in 2007. He opened an outpatient clinic for oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery at Osaka Kaijo Hospital. Subsequently, he was appointed as the assistant professor at the Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka Medical College, in 2014. He then served an international fellowship at the Department of Ophthalmology/Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery, California State University, San Diego. Since then, he has been appointed as Lecturer in the Departments of Ophthalmology at Osaka Medical College and Toho University Medical Center Sakura Hospital. Dr. Mimura is currently the Director of Oculofacial Clinic Osaka, where he specializes in Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Content updated on Jan 30, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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FAQs
Q.
Dry Eyes? Why Your Tear Film Is Failing & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Dry eyes happen when the tear film’s oil, water, or mucus layers fail, most often from meibomian gland dysfunction or low tear production, causing burning, grittiness, blurred or fluctuating vision, and even corneal damage if ignored. There are several factors to consider; medically approved next steps range from preservative-free artificial tears, warm compresses, and blink and screen habits to prescription anti-inflammatory drops and punctal plugs, along with addressing medications or autoimmune disease. See complete details below, including when to seek urgent care for severe pain, sudden vision changes, heavy light sensitivity, or discharge.
References:
* Akpek, E. K., Kocatürk, N., Karcı, B., & Gökmen, N. (2023). Dry eye disease: a review of current clinical landscape and future approaches. *Eye and Vision*, *10*(1), 1–17.
* Craig, J. P., Nichols, K. K., Akpek, E. K., Caffery, B., Dua, H. S., Liu, Z., ... & TFOS DEWS II. (2017). TFOS DEWS II Report Executive Summary. *The Ocular Surface*, *15*(3), 3–32.
* Borchman, D., & Yappert, M. C. (2022). Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: An Integrated Perspective of Management. *Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics*, *38*(2), 79-91.
* Giunta, S., Meli, G. V., Giunta, P., & D'Agate, M. (2023). Dry eye disease and inflammation: an optimized therapy. *Journal of Inflammation Research*, *16*, 165–177.
* Al-Hashash, F., Asfour, H., Mahes, S. T., Al-Ahmadi, B., & Alkattan, K. (2023). Emerging Therapies for Dry Eye Disease. *International Ophthalmology*, 1–13.
Q.
Burning Eyes? Why No Amount of Eye Drops Will Fix This
A.
Burning eyes that persist despite eye drops usually point to dry eye disease, meibomian gland dysfunction, digital eye strain, or surface inflammation rather than simple tiredness; standard drops may soothe briefly but do not fix blocked oil glands, poor tear quality, or inflammation, and some redness-relief drops can even worsen irritation. There are several factors to consider, including allergies, hormonal shifts, autoimmune disease, and medications, plus solutions like warm compresses, eyelid hygiene, screen-break strategies, humidifiers, omega-3s, and prescription anti-inflammatory drops when needed. See below for the complete guidance, including red flags that require urgent care and how to choose the right next steps in your care.
References:
* Aggarwal S, Puri P, Van Den Broecke S, et al. Neuropathic Ocular Pain: A Systematic Review. Ocul Surf. 2021 Jul;21:14-27. doi: 10.1016/j.jos.2021.04.004. Epub 2021 Apr 22. PMID: 33894458.
* Agarwal P, Agarwal P, Singh R. Ocular surface inflammation in dry eye disease: Current understanding and therapeutic strategies. J Curr Ophthalmol. 2022 May 11;34(3):189-198. doi: 10.4103/joco.joco_208_21. PMID: 36248383; PMCID: PMC9553556.
* Rosenbaum JT. The eye in autoimmune disease. N Engl J Med. 2023 Mar 9;388(10):913-922. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra2200547. PMID: 36884020.
* Lin Y, Liu J, Yu H, et al. Consensus on the clinical diagnosis and management of neuropathic ocular pain. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila). 2023 Jul-Aug;12(4):359-366. doi: 10.1097/APO.0000000000000632. PMID: 37494165; PMCID: PMC10385966.
* Galor A, Levitt RC, Sarantopoulos CD. Current Management of Chronic Ocular Pain. J Pain. 2019 Jul;20(7):727-742. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2018.11.008. Epub 2018 Nov 17. PMID: 30453186; PMCID: PMC6588691.
Q.
Blepharitis in Seniors: Managing Chronic Eyelid Inflammation
A.
Blepharitis in seniors is a chronic but manageable eyelid inflammation that causes red, itchy, crusted lids and dryness, often tied to meibomian gland dysfunction and skin conditions; daily warm compresses plus gentle lid cleaning are first line, with preservative-free artificial tears and, when needed, doctor-prescribed drops, oral antibiotics, or in-office care. There are several factors to consider, including when to seek urgent care for pain or vision changes and how other conditions or medications may affect treatment; see below to understand more and decide the right next steps.
References:
* Amescua G, Kardon RH, Mah F, Moshirfar M, Sheth V. Blepharitis: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management. Ophthalmol Ther. 2023 Aug;12(4):1751-1772. doi: 10.1007/s40123-023-00742-1. Epub 2023 Jun 20. PMID: 37338872; PMCID: PMC10377044.
* Kymionis GD, Karoutis T, Kymionis DG, Koutsojannis C. Current approaches to the diagnosis and management of chronic blepharitis. Expert Rev Ophthalmol. 2023 Dec 22:1-12. doi: 10.1080/17469899.2024.2299863. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38131346.
* Lemp MA, Lemp MA, Lemp L. Ocular surface disease in older adults: Blepharitis, dry eye, and MGD. Clin Geriatr Med. 2012 Nov;28(4):591-606. doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2012.08.005. PMID: 23101967.
* Rhee MK, Mah F, Dhaliwal D, Wirta D, Yeu E, Moshirfar M. Demodex blepharitis: a comprehensive review of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. Eye Contact Lens. 2024 May 1;50(5):207-215. doi: 10.1097/ICL.0000000000001099. Epub 2024 Jan 12. PMID: 38210334.
* Al-Mohtaseb Z, Yeu E, Trattler W, Wirta D, Mah F. Meibomian gland dysfunction and blepharitis: a review of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management. Eye Contact Lens. 2022 May 1;48(5):211-224. doi: 10.1097/ICL.0000000000000888. Epub 2022 Mar 22. PMID: 35320573.
Q.
Women’s Guide to Blepharitis: Relief for Irritated Eyes
A.
Blepharitis is a common, usually noncontagious eyelid inflammation that often affects women, causing red, gritty, itchy eyes and fluctuating vision, and it is typically manageable with warm compresses, gentle lid cleansing, and simple lifestyle changes. There are several factors to consider, including hormonal shifts, skin conditions, bacteria or Demodex, makeup and contact lens habits, and meibomian gland dysfunction, plus clear guidance on when to see a doctor and which treatments may help if home care falls short. For the key details that can shape your next steps, see the complete answer below.
References:
* Liu, Y., & Kam, W. R. (2020). Novel Insights Into Pathophysiology and Treatment of Blepharitis. *Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics*, *36*(3), 133-144.
* Mian, S. I., & Dhaliwal, U. (2022). Blepharitis. In *StatPearls*. StatPearls Publishing.
* Nelson, J. D., & Nichols, K. K. (2018). Blepharitis. *Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology*, *18*(5), 434-440.
* But, C. C., & Dhaliwal, U. (2023). Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. In *StatPearls*. StatPearls Publishing.
* Guillon, M., & Maïssa, C. (2018). The role of lid hygiene in the management of blepharitis: A review. *Contact Lens & Anterior Eye*, *41*(1), 12-21.
Q.
What are the causes of my eye pain when blinking?
A.
Eye pain when blinking can be caused by various factors, including surface irritation, infections, and underlying medical conditions. Identifying the specific cause is essential for effective treatment and relief.
References:
Brazis PW, Lee AG, Stewart M, Capobianco D. Clinical review: the differential diagnosis of pain in the quiet eye. Neurologist. 2002 Mar;8(2):82-100. doi: 10.1097/00127893-200203000-00003. PMID: 12803694.
Pflipsen M, Massaquoi M, Wolf S. Evaluation of the Painful Eye. Am Fam Physician. 2016 Jun 15;93(12):991-8. PMID: 27304768.
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https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Rouen PA, White ML. Dry Eye Disease: Prevalence, Assessment, and Management. Home Healthc Now. 2018 Mar/Apr;36(2):74-83. doi: 10.1097/NHH.0000000000000652. PMID: 29498987.
https://journals.lww.com/homehealthcarenurseonline/Fulltext/2018/03000/Dry_Eye_Disease__Prevalence,_Assessment,_and.3.aspxMessmer EM. The pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of dry eye disease. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2015 Jan 30;112(5):71-81; quiz 82. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2015.0071. PMID: 25686388; PMCID: PMC4335585.
https://www.aerzteblatt.de/int/archive/article/167472Clayton JA. Dry Eye. N Engl J Med. 2018 Jun 7;378(23):2212-2223. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra1407936. PMID: 29874529.
https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMra1407936Buckley RJ. Assessment and management of dry eye disease. Eye (Lond). 2018 Feb;32(2):200-203. doi: 10.1038/eye.2017.289. Epub 2018 Jan 5. PMID: 29303149; PMCID: PMC5811740.
https://www.nature.com/articles/eye2017289Chan TCY, Chow SSW, Wan KHN, Yuen HKL. Update on the association between dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction. Hong Kong Med J. 2019 Feb;25(1):38-47. doi: 10.12809/hkmj187331. Epub 2019 Jan 31. PMID: 30713149.
https://www.hkmj.org/abstracts/v25n1/38.htm