What is dry eye syndrome?

When your eyes are too dry, they feel itchy, scratchy, and irritated.

Your doctor may prescribe ointments or eyedrops. Or they may recommend tear-duct plugs. These keep your tears from draining out.

An eye doctor can usually tell that you have dry eye syndrome during a regular exam and hearing about your symptoms.

In some cases, you may have a special test to see if your eyes are making enough tears.

You can use artificial-tear eyedrops that you can buy over the counter. Don't use eyedrops that are meant to treat bloodshot eyes. Try to blink often if you spend a lot of time at a computer screen. Limit your time in air-conditioned or heated rooms. You might try a humidifier. Keep the humidifier clean.

Dry eyes can be caused by everyday things, like being outdoors in the wind and sun, staring at a computer screen, or just being tired. Being around cigarette smoke may also cause dry eyes.

Other possible causes include:

• Certain medicines, such as antihistamines and some antidepressants.
• Wearing contact lenses for too many hours at a time.
• Certain eye surgeries, such as LASIK.

For many people, it's just part of getting older.

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your tear glands don't make enough tears. It can also happen when your tears evaporate too fast. Your eyes need tears to stay clean and healthy. This problem is more common in older adults and in those with certain diseases, such as diabetes, allergic conjunctivitis, or Sjögren's syndrome.