Dry Eye is the decline of the quality or quantity of tears bathing the eye. A person with dry eye experiences constant pain from eye irritation, and a sandy or gritty sensation that, if left untreated, can lead to scarring to the cornea, and thus loss of vision.

In many cases, dry eye results from disorders of the various glands which work together to produce normal tears. Normal aging of the tear glands, as well as specific diseases and disorders may cause changes in the amount and condition of the tears produced.

Some causes of dry eye can include:

Decreased sensitivity to the cornea
Excessive evaporation of tears
Unusual facial anatomy or irregularities of the cornea
Hormonal changes
Certain medications such as antibiotics, antihistamines, diuretics or anti-diarrheals.

Dry eye is usually treated by applying artificial tears or ointments. These only give temporary relief and usually does not reverse damage already done to the eye.

 

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