Dry eye can make a person's eyes dry, red, or irritated. In addition to being uncomfortable, it can damage the eye's tissues and impair vision.

People usually begin experiencing dry eye symptoms as they age, but the condition can also result from certain medications, conditions or injuries. The eyes may become dry and irritated because the tear ducts don't produce enough tears, or because the tears themselves have a chemical imbalance.

Dry eye is not preventable, but it can be controlled before harm is done to your eyes. Non-surgical treatments include blinking exercises, increasing humidity at home or work, and use of artificial tears or moisturizing ointment. If these methods fail, small punctal plugs may be inserted in the corners of the eyes to limit tear drainage, or the drainage tubes in the eyes may be surgically closed.

Read more about dry eye treatment.

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Dry Eye can make your eyes dry, red, or irritated. It can also damage the eye's tissues and impair vision.