Dry eyes is a chronic lack of adequate lubrication and moisture in the eyes which result to irritation and in some cases ocular inflammation of the front tissues of the eye.

Schirmer tear test uses blotting strips of paper to measure tear production.

Lubricating eye drops may be prescribed to alleviate itchy sensation in the eye. Surgery may be necessary in cases of abnormality in the eyelid. Cyclosporine is the only approved medication for treating dry eyes.

Stinging, burning, and itchy sensation in the eye that sometimes gives the sensation that a foreign substance is present in the eye is an indication of dry eyes. Sensitivity to light, difficulty in wearing contact lenses, and eye fatigue after reading for a short period of time are symptoms as well. Other symptoms manifested by a person with dry eyes include stringy mucus present in or around the eyes and blurred vision, which worsens at the end of the day or after prolonged visual focus on a certain activity.

Imbalance in the composition of the tear can lead to dry eyes. Other possible causes of dry eyes include the following: side effect of certain medicines such as antihistamine and birth control pills; dry, dusty or windy weather; air conditioning or dry heating system; inadequate blinking such as when staring into the computer for long periods of time; long-term contact lens wear; certain eyelid conditions like incomplete closure of the eyelid when sleeping; and decreased tear production.