Dry eyes can have many causes, from a decrease in the production of the aqueous fluid that provides moisture to the eye, to suppression of the blinking reflex. Eyelid inflammation, environmental factors or surface injury to cornea can also cause dry eyes, according to "The Eye Digest." Symptoms of dry eyes include a feeling of grit or sand in the eyes, eye fatigue, tearing, light sensitivity and blurred vision, according to the Mayo Clinic. Complications can occur if dry eyes are not treated.
Excessive Tearing
Paradoxically, dry eyes can cause excessive tearing and constant "weeping" from the eyes if not treated. The lower layers of the tear film, which spreads tears across the eyes and helps keep the eyes wet, decrease with age, so the eyes become dry. When this happens, the lacrimal glands in the eyes, which create tears, respond to the eyes being dry by flooding the eyes with tears, according to the Mayo Clinic. But the tears that are produced aren't "good" tears, since they don't contain enough oil and other lubricating agents. They don't moisturize the eyes well and lead to the creation of more poor-quality tears that overflow the eyes. Artificial tears may help; over-the-counter tears may not be adequate. Your doctor may prescribe Restasis, a prescription medication that increases tear production, or small plugs that cover up the leaking tear ducts so that more tears are kept inside the eye.
Corneal Surface Damage
Dry eyes can damage the corneal surface. Superficial punctate keratopathy, a surface irritation of the cornea, is treated with artificial tears. Superficial punctuate keratophy makes the cornea more prone to inflammation and possible infection, called keratitis, which can lead to scarring of the cornea. Keratitis can cause painful, red eyes and light sensitivity. Corneal scarring can require corneal transplant, according to the National Eye Institute.
Vision Changes
Vision changes related to dry eyes are usually not severe. However, blurred vision may occur from the corneal surface being uneven and rough, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Keratitis can cause hazy vision and may even lead to complete vision loss, according to HealthSquare.com.
