Dry eye syndrome

Dry eye syndrome (DES), also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), is the condition of having dry eyes. Other symptoms associated with DES/KCS include irritation, redness, discharge, and easily fatigued eyes. Blurred vision may also occur. Symptoms can be mild and occasional to severe and continuous.

Many risk factors are associated with dry eyes such as aging, frequent flying, smoking, and medications. Health conditions include diabetes, thyroid disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, and fibromyalgia.

Symptoms

 * aching sensations
 * blurred vision


 * burning sensation
 * dryness sensation
 * fatigued eyes
 * heavy eyes
 * itchy eyes
 * photophobia (light sensitivity)
 * red eyes

Watery eyes can be a symptom because "dryness on the eye's surface sometimes will over-stimulate production of the watery component of your tears as a protective mechanism. But this "reflex tearing" does not stay on the eye long enough to correct the underlying dry eye condition."
 * sore eyes

Risk factors
LASIK and other corneal refractive surgery can cause dry eyes but is usually temporary.
 * aging
 * computer use
 * contact lens wear
 * eyelid problems
 * frequent flying
 * health conditions (Diabetes, thyroid disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, fibromyalgia.)
 * indoor environment
 * outdoor environment
 * medications
 * menopause
 * smoking