How to Diagnose Chronic Dry Eye

Tears protect your eyes from disease and lubricate the eye. A decrease in the quantity or quality of tear production leaves your eyes dry, uncomfortable and susceptible to infection. Caused by age, certain diseases and certain medications, chronic dry eye is a treatable medical condition. Visit your doctor if you experience chronic eye discomfort or problems with excessive crying or blinking.

Instructions

• 1

  Suspect chronic dry eye if you experience a frequent sensation of burning, stinging or scratching in both eyes. Sensitivity to light and frequent pain are symptoms of a dry eye problem.

• 2

  Notice if you experience increased eye irritation from smoke, wind and contact lenses. If you have frequent eye fatigue and blurred vision after reading or at the end of the day, chronic dry eye may be your problem.

• 3

  Diagnose dry eye if you frequently feel sand or a foreign substance is in your eye but an examination shows no foreign object. Be confident in your diagnosis if you experience stringy mucus in or around your eyes or have a constant stream of tears coming from your eyes.

• 4

  Ask your doctor about chronic dry eye if you experience eye problems after taking birth control pills, antihistamines or after you begin menopause. Seek treatment for chronic dry eye after a diagnosis of diseases such as Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis or collagen vascular diseases. These conditions affect the body's ability to make tears.

• 5

  Visit your family doctor or an ophthalmologist if you experience frequent pain or prolonged signs and symptoms of dry eyes, including red, irritated or tired eyes, reduced tear production, problems with closing your eyes or excessive blinking. Seek professional treatment to correct symptoms of chronic dry eye.