1.       Surface of the eye is normally kept moist by mucus, oily substance and tears.

    2.       Tears normally form a thin film over the surface of eye providing oxygen to the cornea, protect the eye and also help in the clarity of vision. Normal blinking of lids keeps the tear film formed all the time preventing drying of surface of eyes.

    3.       Deficiency of mucus (produced by conjunctival sur­face), oily substance  (normally prevents evaporation of tears & is produced by glands present in lid margin) or tears  (produced by tear gland present near the eyeball) can produce dry eyes.

    4.       Causes of dry eyes may be trachoma, lid infections, chemical burns, certain skin diseases, vitamin-A defi­ciency, etc. All of these damage glands producing mucus, tears or oily substance.

    5.       Symptoms (complaints) include irritation, burning, redness, excessive paradoxical watering, intolerance to wind, smoke, etc. Mild dryness may produce symptoms only occasionally.

    6.       Treatment is usually life-long and patient should avoid  strong  winds, hair dryers, cosmetics,  etc.  Tear substitutes are to be instilled very frequently depending upon the degree of dryness.

  7.    Severe dry eyes if not treated may cause permanent corneal damage and blindness.