Symptoms
Dry eye disease can manifest with a variety of symptoms, which may vary in severity from person to person. Common symptoms of dry eye disease include:
- Dryness: A persistent sensation of dryness or grittiness in the eyes is a hallmark symptom of dry eye disease.
- Irritation: The eyes may feel irritated, scratchy, or sore, particularly after prolonged periods of reading, using a computer, or being exposed to dry or windy conditions.
- Redness: Dry eye disease can cause redness in the eyes due to irritation and inflammation of the ocular surface.
- Watery Eyes: Paradoxically, some individuals with dry eye disease may experience excessive tearing as the eyes attempt to compensate for the lack of adequate lubrication.
- Rosacea: The same underlying causes of dry eye disease also causes rosacea and broken blood vessels on the face.
- Difficulty Wearing Contact Lenses: Individuals who wear contact lenses may experience discomfort, difficulty inserting or removing lenses, or increased lens intolerance due to dry eye symptoms.
- Blurred Vision: Vision may become intermittently blurry, especially during activities that require focused visual attention, such as reading or driving.
- Sensitivity to Light: Increased sensitivity to light, known as photophobia, is another common symptom of dry eye disease.
- Eye Fatigue: Dry eyes can lead to eye fatigue or a feeling of heaviness, particularly after prolonged periods of visual concentration.
- Discomfort with Wind or Air Conditioning: Exposure to windy or air-conditioned environments may exacerbate dry eye symptoms, causing increased discomfort.
- Mucus Discharge: Some individuals with severe dry eye disease may experience a discharge of mucus or stringy strands from the eyes.