Dry eye, otherwise known as dry eyes syndrome or dry eye disease (DED), is an eye condition that occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears. Dry eye syndrome is a chronic lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye. The medical term for dry eye syndrome is known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca. This term explains dry eye when it affects both the cornea and the conjunctiva. Dry eyes can be categorized into various forms depending on which component of the eye is affected. And the different specific types of dry eye will determine what kind of treatment or prescription your eye doctor will give you. There are also other causes of dry eyes, with each reason choosing the type of syndrome one has.
Causes of Dry Eyes
- Menopause
- Smoking
- Eyelid problems
- Wearing a mask
- Allergies
Dry eye syndrome or dry eye disease can get as severe as resulting in symptoms such as itchy eyes, sore eyes, red eyes, blurred vision, heavy eyes, and even mucus in or around the eyes.