Dry eye is a condition that affects your tear film, the three layers of tears that cover and protect the surface of your eyes. You need a smooth and stable tear film to help you see clearly and comfortably. Disruptions to your tear film can cause uncomfortable symptoms like burning, itching, watering or blurred vision. Many different factors can prevent your tear film from working as it should and lead to dry eye. That’s why healthcare providers consider dry eye a multifactorial disease. Its causes and risk factors are numerous and complex. So, it may take a while to get to the root of the problem and figure out what’s causing your symptoms. If you have dry eye, it’s important to establish care with an ophthalmologist to manage your condition.
