Dry eye syndrome describes a condition where the front of the eye becomes dry. This dryness may result from decreased tear fluid production, increased evaporation of tear fluid, or increased drainage of tear fluid from the eye. The most common symptom is an annoying burning, gritty, or foreign body sensation. The dry-eye patient may experience a paradoxical excess of “reflex” tearing caused by the underlying eye surface irritation. The cause of dry eye syndrome is most commonly associated with a deficiency in the components of the complex tear film. Treatment of this condition may include artificial tears, eyelid scrubs, lubricating ointments at bedtime, tear duct occlusion and prescription medications.
