Dry eye is a condition in which there are not enough tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears are necessary for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and for providing clear vision. When the normal amount of tear production decreases or tears evaporate too quickly from the eyes, symptoms of dry eye can develop. Dry eye is a common and often chronic problem, particularly in older adults and computer users. The majority of people over the age of 65 experience some symptoms of dry eyes. People with dry eyes may experience symptoms of irritated, gritty, scratchy, or burning eyes, a feeling of something in their eyes, excess watering, and blurred vision. Advanced dry eyes may damage the front surface of the eye and impair vision.
The doctors at Advanced Eye Care Associates diagnose dry eye through a comprehensive eye examination and by testing the quantity and quality of tears produced by the eyes.