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Lacrimal gland
Lacrimal gland


Dry eyes

Alternative Names:
Tearing - decreased; Eyes - dry

Home Care:

The following steps may help:

  • Try artificial tears, available as either drops or ointment. Ointments last longer, but are thicker and can cause blurry vision.
  • Don't smoke. Avoid second-hand smoke, direct wind, and air conditioning.
  • Use a humidifier, especially in the winter.
  • Purposefully blink more often. Rest your eyes.


Call your health care provider if:
Text Continues Below



Call your doctor if:

  • Your have red or painful eyes.
  • You have flaking, discharge, or a lesion on your eye or eyelid.
  • You have had trauma to your eye, or you have a bulging eye or a drooping eyelid.
  • You have joint pain, swelling, or stiffness.
  • You also have a dry mouth.
  • Your dry eyes do not respond to self-care measures within a few days.


What to expect at your health care provider's office:

Your doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination, including a careful eye examination.

To help better understand your dry eyes, your doctor may ask the following:

  • How long have you had dry eyes? Does it involve one or both eyes?
  • Do you have it all of the time or does it only occur at certain times, with certain activities, or in certain places?
  • Does the dryness seem related to wind, dust, chemicals, sun, or light exposure?
  • Does it affect your vision?
  • Does it cause pain?
  • Do your eyelids close easily?
  • Have you noticed any drainage from your eyes?
  • Does anything make your dry eyes worse?
  • Does anything make your dry eyes better?
  • Have you tried artificial tears? Do they help?
  • Are you taking any medications? Which ones ?
  • Have you had surgery or an injury to your eyes or nose?
  • Do you have allergies?
  • Have you been using any new cosmetics?
  • Do you have any other symptoms like dry mouth or joint discomfort?
Your doctor may perform tearing tests that an help diagnose dry eyes. Artificial tears may be prescribed.

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