Dry Eye
For healthy and comfortable eyes, we need tears. If the eyes do not produce enough tears , it is called dry eyes. Dry eye is also when the eyes do not make the right type of tears or tear film.

Dry Eye Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of dry eye are:

Feeling of stinging and burning in the eye.
Scratchy or gritty feeling in eye
Strings of mucus in or around eyes.
Eyes are red or irritated
It is painful to wear contact lenses.
Lots of tears in eyes

Treatment for Dry Eye
Artificial Tears : These are eye drops like natural tears and can be used on need basis. If you use artificial tears more than six times a day or are allergic to preservatives, you should use preservative-free tears. This is because if the tears with preservatives are used a lot, these chemicals may start to irritate the eyes.

Saving Tears: Sometimes the ophthalmologist may suggest to block the tear ducts. This makes natural tears stay in eyes longer. Tiny silicone or gel plugs (called punctal plugs) may be inserted in the tear ducts. These plugs can be removed later as needed.

Increasing tears : Special eyedrop medication that helps the eyes make more of their own tears.

If eyes are irritated, the ophthalmologist can treat those problems. They may recommend:

Prescription eye drops or ointments
Warm compresses on the eyes
Massaging the eyelids