Do I Have Dry Eyes?

Do you have a stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in your eyes?

Do you have stringy mucus in or around your eyes?

Do you have heavy eyes or eye fatigue?

Do you have increased sensitivity to light?

Are your eyes red and irritated (especially when you are in the wind or near cigarette smoke)?

Do you have a sensation of having something in your eyes?

Do you have difficulty wearing contact lenses?

Do you have difficulty with nighttime driving?

Do you have watery eyes?

Do you have blurred vision, especially when reading?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have dry eyes. Dry eye is a medical condition in which a person’s eye produces tears that are unable to provide proper lubrication and nourishment to the eye. Normally, with each blink of the lid, the tear film spreads evenly over the surface of the eye. Tears are important for maintaining good vision. They allow the surface of the eye to be smooth and clear and reduce the risk of an eye infection. Dry eye is a common condition, especially in women, adults over the age of 50 and people who wear contact lenses.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have dry eyes. Dry eye is a common, often chronic medical condition characterized by insufficient eye lubrication. Tears keep the surface of the eye moist, and wash away dust and microorganisms that can damage the cornea. The tear film consists of three layers: oily, watery and a mucus layer. These layers allow your tears to spread evenly over the surface of your eye, without allowing them to evaporate too quickly. People who have dry eyes either produce an inadequate amount of tears or have poor quality tears. Diagnosing is based on an eye examination and dry eye tests.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have dry eyes. Dry eye is a medical problem that occurs when your eyes either do not produce the right amount of tears or the right type of tears. Dry eyes are common in older adults due to hormonal changes, especially in women who have gone through menopause. Certain medications such as allergy drugs, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants, can decrease tear production. People with diabetes, arthritis and thyroid problems are also prone to dry eye symptoms. Treatment includes artificial tears, prescription eye medications, various in-office procedures and treatment of the underlying cause of dry eyes.