[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/02\/dry-eye-causes-symptoms-treatments\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/02\/dry-eye-causes-symptoms-treatments\/","headline":"Dry Eye: Common Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments","name":"Dry Eye: Common Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments","description":"Tears lubricate the eyes and wash away particles and foreign objects. A healthy tear film on the eye is necessary for good vision. Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when the natural tear film that covers the surface of the eye is insufficient. UPMC Vision Institute ophthalmologists Andrew Eller, MD, and Leela Raju, […]","datePublished":"2014-02-13","dateModified":"2023-07-18","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/ophthalmology-regions","name":"UPMC Vision Institute","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/ophthalmology-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc-vision-institute\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/dry-eye-causes-symptoms-treatments.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/dry-eye-causes-symptoms-treatments.jpg","height":325,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/02\/dry-eye-causes-symptoms-treatments\/","about":["Eye Health"],"wordCount":265,"keywords":["Andrew Eller MD","dry eye","eye care","eye drops","Leela Raju MD","ophthalmologist","tear film","tearing","vision"],"articleBody":"Tears lubricate the eyes and wash away particles and foreign objects. A healthy tear film on the eye is necessary for good vision. Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when the natural tear film that covers the surface of the eye is insufficient. UPMC Vision Institute ophthalmologists Andrew Eller, MD, and Leela Raju, MD, explain more about this common condition.Causes of Dry EyeThere are a number of causes, but some of the most common ones include:Previous surgeries, such as laser refractive surgery or retinal detachmentWearing contact lenses, especially after many yearsDry heat in our homes or air conditioning in the summerReading intently or staring at a computerVarious conditions, such as dementia, Bell\u2019s palsy, Sjogren\u2019s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or hyperthyroidism (Grave\u2019s disease)Dry Eye SymptomsBurningRednessFeeling of sand or dirt in the eyeTearingEye Tearing and Dry EyeSurprisingly, many people with dry eyes complain of tearing. There are three types of tears:GreasyMucousyWateryWhen our tear film is deficient in the greasy and mucousy tears, we compensate with the over population of watery tears.Treatment Options for Dry EyeSome of the more common treatments include:Over the counter eye dropsAn eye gel or ointmentSmall plugs\u00a0can be placed in the eyelids to increase the tear filmTalking to Your Doctor About Dry EyeIn most cases, dry eye can be managed with over the counter eye drops. However, you should consult your eye doctor when you can no longer tolerate the burning, redness, and pain."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2014","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"02","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/\/02\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Dry Eye: Common Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/02\/dry-eye-causes-symptoms-treatments\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]