Symptoms of Dry Eyes

Typical dry eye symptoms are dryness, burning and a sandy-gritty eye irritation that gets worse as the day goes on. Symptoms may also be described as itchy scratchy, stingy or tired eyes. Other symptoms are pain, redness, a pulling sensation, and pressure behind the eye. There may be a feeling that something, such as a speck of dirt, is in the eye. The resultant damage to the eye surface increases discomfort and sensitivity to bright light. Both eyes usually are affected.

Dry Eyes Symptoms

Dry eye syndrome symptoms include red, tired, foreign body sensation, light sensitive, blurry vision, excessive watering, crusty eye lids, clogged meibomian glands and severe night time dry eyes, Read more

Dry Eyes at Night during sleep

For people with dry eyes, nighttime dry eyes are quite common. Learn how to manage

Watery Dry Eyes

There may also be a stringy discharge from the eyes. Although it may seem strange, dry eye can cause the eyes to water (more under Watery Dry Eyes). This can happen because the eyes are irritated. One may experience excessive tearing in the same way as one would if something got into the eye. These reflex tears will not necessarily make the eyes feel better. This is because they are the watery type that is produced in response to injury, irritation, or emotion (crying). They do not have the lubricating qualities necessary to prevent dry eye.

Pink Eyes - Blepharitis and Dry Eyes

In addition to symptoms of dry eyes, crusty build up on your eyelids in the morning often signifies blepharitis - inflammation of the eyelids. This infection may be caused by Staphylococcal infection, allergies, dandruff or head lice. Blepharitis, in turn, may cause styes, pinkeye and chalazions Read more here

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and Chronic Dry Eyes

Crusting in addition to dry eyes symptoms often signifies MGD. Symptoms of meibomian gland dysfunction include crusting, flaking, itching, redness, irritation, tearing and burning. At times, the person may also feel as though a foreign body is present in the affected eye. The formation of a yellow crust along the eyelids suggests glandular malfunction. Blepharitis occurs due to certain types of fungi or yeast that feed on oils. People with weak immune systems seem more susceptible. [/link] Learn more [/link]

Meibomian gland dysfunction and chronic dry eyes goes hand in hand. It is one of the biggest challenges in the management of dry eye syndrome and requires many avenues in order to keep the disorder under control. Learn more