Health information to help you understand symptoms. It isn't a diagnosis.About OwieClear
Check symptoms

Dry eye

Also called: Dry eye, dry eye disease, dry eye syndrome

Eyes that don't make enough tears, or tears that dry too fast, causing burning, grittiness, and blurry vision. It's very common, especially with screens and age.

TypeA tear film problem
Common inOlder adults, screen users
TreatmentArtificial tears and habits

Overview

Tears keep the eye smooth and clear. Too few tears, or poor-quality tears, leave the eye dry and irritated.

Oddly, dry eye can cause watery eyes as the eye tries to make up for it.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Dry, gritty, or burning eyes
  • Blurry vision that clears with blinking

Less common

  • Red eyes
  • Watery eyes

When to get medical care

Call 911Sudden vision loss or severe eye pain.
Get care todayA painful red eye with light sensitivity or trouble seeing.
See a doctor soonDryness that doesn't improve with artificial tears.

Causes

Aging, screens, dry air, contacts, some medicines, hormone changes, and conditions like Sjogren's.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Age over 50
  • Women
  • Contact lenses
  • Antihistamines

Possible complications

  • Sjogren's syndrome: Dry eyes and mouth

Diagnosis

An eye doctor can check tear quality.

Questions you may be asked

  • Screen time, medicines, contacts

The exam

An eye exam with special dyes.

Treatment

Simple changes help most people.

Self-care

  • Use artificial tears: preservative-free if you use them often
  • Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds
  • Use a humidifier
  • Warm compresses for oily eyelids

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Artificial tears
Dryness
Prescription drops
Ongoing dry eyeTake weeks to work.

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To prevent it:

  • Take screen breaks
  • Wear sunglasses in wind

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to an ophthalmologist (eye doctor and surgeon) or an optometrist.

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Dry eye can usually be managed well.

Myths and facts

Myth: Watery eyes can't be dry eye.

Fact: Dry eyes can make extra tears that don't protect the eye well.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • List of eye drops and medicines

Questions to ask

  • What type of dry eye do I have?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Dry eye

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.