Dry eye syndrome, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), is a common condition that affects the tear film, the three layers of tears that cover and protect the surface of your eyes. A healthy tear film helps keep your eyes moist, comfortable, and free from irritation.

When you have dry eye syndrome, your tear film is either not produced in enough quantity or is of poor quality. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

 * A burning or stinging sensation in the eyes

 * Scratchiness or grittiness in the eyes

 * Redness in the eyes

 * Sensitivity to light

 * Blurred vision

 * Difficulty wearing contact lenses

 

Dry eye syndrome can be caused by a number of factors, including:

 * Aging: Tear production tends to decrease as you age, especially for women after menopause.

 * Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as arthritis, lupus, and Sjogren's syndrome, can increase your risk of dry eye syndrome.

 * Medications: Some medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and blood pressure medications, can dry out your eyes.

 * Environmental factors: Dry air, wind, smoke, and dust can all worsen dry eye symptoms.

 * Excessive computer use: Staring at a computer screen for extended periods of time can reduce your blinking rate, which can lead to dry eyes.

 

Treatment for dry eye syndrome depends on the underlying cause of the condition. In some cases, simply making lifestyle changes, such as using artificial tears or avoiding dry air, may be enough to relieve symptoms. Other treatment options include:

 * Eyelid hygiene: Regular eyelid hygiene can help remove debris and crust from your eyelashes, which can clog your tear ducts and worsen dry eye symptoms.

 * Prescription eye drops: There are many different types of prescription eye drops available, including artificial tears, lubricants, and ointments. Your doctor can help you choose the right type of eye drops for your symptoms.

 * Punctal plugs: Punctal plugs are small inserts that are placed in your tear ducts to prevent tears from draining out of your eyes.

 * Surgery: In some severe cases, surgery may be an option to treat dry eye syndrome. This may involve closing off your tear ducts or transplanting a new tear duct.

 

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent dry eye syndrome, including:

 * Blink frequently: Blinking helps to spread tears over the surface of your eyes and keep them moist.

 * Use a humidifier: A humidifier can add moisture to the air, which can help to prevent your eyes from drying out.

 * Avoid dry air: If you live in a dry climate, you may want to consider using a humidifier or dehumidifier.

 * Protect your eyes from the wind: Wear sunglasses that wrap around your face to help protect your eyes from the wind.

 * Take breaks from the computer: If you spend a lot of time at the computer, take breaks every 20 minutes or so to look away from the screen and blink frequently.

 * Avoid smoking: Smoking can irritate your eyes and make dry eye symptoms worse.

 * Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids can help to keep your body hydrated, which can help to prevent dry eyes.