The University of Illinois at Chicago's Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Services estimates that at least 12 million people in the United States suffer from dry eyes. People who have dry eyes either do not make enough tears or their tears dry too quickly. Medication use, chronic illness and simply aging can all be factors that lead to have dry eye syndrome. Using synthetic tears, switching medications, if needed, or introducing more moisture into the environment can all help treat dry eyes. Being aware of the signs of symptoms of dry eyes can lead to a diagnosis and prompt treatment.
Tearing
Tearing up does not sound like it could be a symptom of dry eyes, but it may be in some people. According to All About Vision, an online information center for eye care and eye disease, some people may experience more tearing when their eyes are dry because the dryness stimulates the tear ducts to produce tears. The water content of the tears is present, but the chemical that lubricates the eyes may be lacking or evaporates before lubrication is possible.
Eye Discomfort
Eye irritation is a common sign of dry eyes. A person may experience one or more symptoms, including burning, stinging, itching or feeling like something is in his eye. This "foreign body" feeling, as All About Vision calls it, may feel like a grain of sand is caught in the eye. The eyes may also be more sensitive to light and hurt when not protected by sunglasses.
Eye Fatigue
Eye strain or fatigue is a sign of dry eyes, according to the Mayo Clinic. A person who has dry eyes may experience eye fatigue after reading, using a computer or watching television after only a relatively short period of time.
Discharge
Discharge coming from the eyes may be a sign of dryness. The mucus-like discharge may occur in or near the eyes and be gummy, thick or stringy.
Changes in Vision
Blurred vision may indicate dry eye syndrome, according to the Mayo Clinic. Vision changes, such as blurriness, are more likely to occur late in the day or evenings after a person has been active and using his eyes for work all day.
Redness
Dry eyes may be red, or bloodshot, in appearance. Eye redness usually accompanies the stinging or irritation symptoms.
