Dry Eye FREE

The surface of the eye is protected by tears. Tears are made up of 3 layers: a water layer, a (fatty or oily) layer, and a mucous layer. When there are not enough tears being produced by the eye, or if the tears are lacking in 1 or more of these layers, the eye can feel dry. Dry eye is also called xerophthalmia . Dry eye is common and can be related to eye problems or disease affecting the whole body. Dry eye is a frequent adverse effect (side effect) of medications. Dry eye may lead to irritation or inflammation of the cornea (the eye's surface) and cause vision problems. Individuals who have dry eye are usually referred to an ophthalmologist. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors with specialized education in the treatment of eye diseases, including surgical procedures on the eye.

Symptoms may be worse in places where the air is very dry, such as inside airplanes, in public spaces using heat or air conditioning, or in low-humidity climates (such as a desert). Exposure to irritants in the air, including cigarette smoke or pollution, can make the symptoms of dry eye worse.

Eyedrops, called artificial tears, can be used to help make the eye feel more moist. These are available without prescription. Some specialized eyedrop medications may be prescribed by an ophthalmologist. Lifestyle changes, especially avoiding cigarette smoke and other things that irritate the eyes, can be helpful. Humidifying the air at home or at work may ease dry eye symptoms. For some individuals, a procedure to block tear drainage may increase the amount of tears that stay in the eye.

To find this and previous JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page index on JAMA's website at www.jama.com. Many are available in English and Spanish. A Patient Page on Sjögren syndrome was published in the July 28, 2010, issue; one on systemic lupus erythematosus was published in the August 10, 2011, issue; and one on rheumatoid arthritis was published in the May 4, 2011, issue.

Sources: National Eye Institute, American Academy of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic

Topic: EYE HEALTH

The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of JAMA. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For specific information concerning your personal medical condition, JAMA suggests that you consult your physician. This page may be photocopied noncommercially by physicians and other health care professionals to share with patients. To purchase bulk reprints, call 312/464-0776.