This condition occurs due to the lack of secretion of tears produced in the lacrimal gland, which keeps the eyes dry. It causes symptoms such as stinging and scratchiness of the eyes, or irritation of the eyes or even excess tearing with possible difficulty of using contact lenses. A film of tears spread over the eye by a blink makes the surface of the eye smooth and clear. When the eye becomes dry, artificial tears are advisable. When a person is receiving diuretics, antihistaminic medication, betablockers, or other medications for nerves or sedative, this condition can develop.
Tears can evaporate by heat or medication which causes dryness of the eyes.
Sometimes lack of Vitamin A is the cause of dry eyes and can be remedied by Vitamin A ointment. This is a very important condition which can cause blindness and therefore must be given high priority for early detection and treatment. This is a disease of the optic nerve and is caused by pressure inside the eye. The higher the pressure inside the eye, the greater the chance of damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve consists of many fibers of nerves which carries messages, much like electric wires, to the brain.