By Joy Quitberg
Optometrist

The tears your eyes produce are necessary for overall eye health and clear vision. Dry eye means that your eyes do not produce enough tears or that you produce tears that do not have the proper chemical composition.
Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a common disorder of the tear film, affecting a significant  percentage of the population, especially those older than 40 years and women more commonly than men.
Dry eyes can be caused by decreased blinking or eyelid problems, medications like antihistamines, oral contraceptives and antidepressants, a dry climate, wind and dust, general health problems like arthritis or Sjogren’s syndrome and chemical or thermal burns to your eyes.
Strangely enough, one of the most common symptoms of DES is excessive tearing.  Your eye becomes slightly dry and irritated; therefore, it produces an enormous amount of tears all at once to try to get moist and comfortable again.  Unfortunately, your eye can only handle so many tears at any one time and so the rest pour over your eyelids and down your cheeks.  
If you have DES, your other symptoms may include:  irritated, scratchy, dry, uncomfortable or red eyes, light sensitivity, a burning sensation or feeling of something foreign in your eyes and blurred vision.
If you have any of the above symptoms, you should see your eye doctor.  During the eye examination, your eye doctor will most likely be able to diagnose DES from hearing your complaints and tests can be performed to further diagnose DES.
Dry eyes cannot be cured, but your optometrist can prescribe treatment so your eyes remain healthy and your vision is unaffected.  Some treatments that your optometrist might prescribe include blinking more frequently, increasing humidity at home or work, hot compresses and eyelid scrubs/massages, using artificial tears, and using a moisturizing ointment, especially at bedtime.  In addition, prescription medications may be prescribed.  
In some cases, small plugs are inserted in the corner of the eyes to slow tear drainage.  Sometimes, surgical closure of the drainage ducts may be recommended.  
Dry eye syndrome cannot be prevented, however, most people with DES have nothing to worry about more than an annoying inconvenience.