Certain diseases and conditions may result in dry eyes. Dry eyes typically cause discomfort and irritation, as well as changes in vision. For some people, dry eye symptoms may ease with the use of artificial tears. In severe cases, eye doctors may prescribe medication to encourage tear production, or the doctor may place plugs in the ducts to keep moisture from draining out of the eye.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Many people, usually older people, do not produce enough tears to keep the eyes lubricated, says the U.S. National Library of Medicine. To diagnose dry eye syndrome, an eye doctor will use a slit lamp, a microscope designed for the eye, to examine the eye's surface. He can determine if a person has abnormalities in the tear film. He may also perform a simple test to determine how many tears the eye produces. This test, called the Schirmer's test, requires the doctor to place a numbing drop in the eye and gently place small strips against the eyelid. After a few minutes the doctor will remove the strips and make his conclusions.
Sjogren's Syndrome
An autoimmune disease called Sjogren's syndrome damages the glands that produce moisture throughout the body. Dry eye is one of the most common symptoms of Sjogren's. The disease causes inflammation in the glands that produce tears, causing a decrease in the amount of tears produced, according to the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation. If a person has Sjogren's, she should inform the eye doctor at the beginning of the exam. The doctor will examine the eye and conduct the Schirmer's test to determine tear production. If a person does not have a diagnosis of Sjogren's but exhibits dry eye and other symptoms commonly associated with the condition, such as dry mouth, the eye doctor may recommend contacting the primary care physician to follow up on additional symptoms.
Computer Vision Syndrome
Computers play a significant role in everyday life for most people. With extended computer use whether for work or play, some people experience a condition called computer vision syndrome. Symptoms often include blurry vision, eyestrain, headaches and dry eye, says the American Optometric Association. Most of the symptoms come and go, depending on the amount of time the person spends in front of the computer. When sitting in front of the computer studying the screen, the user typically blinks less often. In order to improve symptoms of dry eye, the user may choose to make a conscious effort to blink more often, as well as periodically instilling artificial tears.
