Dry Eye: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Dry Eye?
An eye doctor treats dry eye. This is often an ophthalmologist, a doctor who specializes in eye care. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is dry eye?
Dry eye happens when your eyes do not make enough tears to stay wet, or when your tears do not work well. This can make your eyes feel uncomfortable. In some cases it can also cause vision problems.
Tears have three layers: an oily layer, a watery layer, and a mucus layer. The oily layer keeps tears from drying up too quickly. Nearly 16.4 million Americans have dry eye.
Symptoms
- A scratchy feeling, like something is in your eye
- Stinging or burning
- Red eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision, especially when reading
- Strings of mucus in or around your eyes
Some people with dry eye have lots of tears. Eyes make more tears when dry eye irritates them.
Causes and who gets it
Glands above your eyes normally make tears. Dry eye can happen when these glands do not make enough tears. It can also happen when tears dry up too fast or do not work well enough.
Anyone can get dry eye. You may be more likely to have it if you:
- Are age 50 or older
- Are female
- Wear contact lenses
- Do not get enough vitamin A or omega-3 fatty acids
- Have an autoimmune condition, like lupus or Sjögren syndrome
Other things can add to dry eye. These include smoke, wind, a very dry climate, and looking at a screen for a long time, reading, and other activities that reduce blinking. Long contact lens use and LASIK eye surgery can also add to it. So can swollen or red eyelids, called blepharitis.
Some medicines can add to dry eye too. Examples are water pills, beta-blockers, allergy and cold medicines, sleeping pills, anxiety and antidepressant medicines, and heartburn medicines. Tell your eye doctor about every medicine you take.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor can check for dry eye during an eye exam. The doctor looks at your eyelids and the surface of your eye. The doctor also checks how you blink.
Your doctor may also check how many tears your eyes make and how long it takes your tears to dry up.
Treatment
Treatment depends on what is causing your symptoms. If another health condition causes your dry eye, treating that condition may help.
- Artificial tears. These are eye drops that you can buy without a prescription. They are the most common treatment for mild dry eye. Moisturizing gels and ointments may also help.
- Preservative-free tears. If you use artificial tears more than six times a day, or you are allergic to preservatives, use preservative-free tears. Preservatives may start to irritate your eyes.
- Prescription eye drops. For more serious dry eye, your eye doctor may prescribe drops that help your eyes make more tears.
- Punctal plugs. These are tiny plugs placed in the tear drain openings. They keep tears on your eye longer. They can be removed later.
- Eyelid care. If your eyes are irritated, your eye doctor may recommend warm compresses, eyelid massage, and certain eyelid cleaners.
- Surgery. Surgery can fix loose lower eyelids that let tears drain too fast. This is not very common. Some eye doctors close the tear drainage system for good in severe cases.
Daily habits can help too. Try to avoid smoke, wind, and air conditioning. Use a humidifier to keep home air from getting too dry. Limit screen time and take breaks. Wear wraparound sunglasses outside. Drink plenty of water.
When to see a doctor
See an eye doctor if your dry eye lasts, gets worse, or gets in the way of daily life. See one too if over-the-counter drops do not help, or if you have significant redness, pain, or changes in your vision. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have a sudden change in vision. Dry eye that is severe and not treated can sometimes damage your cornea, the clear outer layer at the front of your eye.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Such a doctor can review your symptoms and the medicines you take, since some medicines add to dry eye. They can also help you reach an eye doctor when you need an eye exam.
Common questions
Is dry eye common?
Yes, dry eye is common. Nearly 16.4 million Americans have it. Anyone can get it, but it is more likely if you are 50 or older or are female.
Can screens cause dry eye?
Yes, screens can add to dry eye. Dry eye can happen if you spend a lot of time looking at a computer, tablet, or phone. Taking breaks from the screen can help.
Can dry eye damage my eyes?
Yes, severe dry eye that is not treated can sometimes damage your cornea. The cornea is the clear outer layer at the front of your eye.
Can I treat dry eye at home?
Yes, for mild dry eye. The most common treatment for mild dry eye is artificial tears, which you can buy without a prescription. See an eye doctor if drops do not relieve your symptoms.
Sources
- National Eye Institute - Dry Eye
- American Academy of Ophthalmology - What Is Dry Eye? Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
- MedlinePlus - Dry eye: An overview
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
