What Are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?

Eye redness is a key sign of dry eye. Other symptoms include itchiness or grittiness, burning or stinging in the eye or sensitivity to light. It feels like there's something in the eye causing general discomfort or a feeling of dryness. People with dry eye commonly remark that their eyes tire easily, making it difficult for them to read or watch television. A clear reason for this difficulty is that the frequency of blinking typically decreases during activities that require concentration. As you blink less, there is more time for the tear film to evaporate which causes dryness. Contact lens intolerance can also be a symptom of dry eye. Often, a person with mild to moderate dry eye may not experience symptoms until contact lenses are fitted. The placement of a contact lens can upset the delicate balance of tear film production and distribution, leading to lens intolerance.