Dry eye is a multifactorial disease of the tears and ocular surface that results in symptoms of discomfort, visual disturbance, and tear film instability with potential damage to the ocular surface. It is accompanied by changes in the normal tear film and inflammation of the ocular surface.

In fact, dry eye disease occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or produce poor quality tears. That's why it's essential you get your tears analyzed by your optometrist. Only an optometrist can properly diagnose your problem and treat it appropriately.

With each blink, tears spread across the cornea (front surface of the eye) providing lubrication, reduced risk of eye infection and removing foreign material. Excess tears drain into small drainage ducts in the inner corners of the eyelids. Dry eyes can occur when the tear production and drainage is not in balance.