Dry Eye

Normally, the eye constantly bathes itself in tear. By producing tears at a slow and steady rate, the eye stays moist and comfortable.

Sometimes people do not produce enough tears or the appropriate quality of tears to keep their eyes healthy and comfortable. This condition is known as dry eye.

Excess tearing from "dry-eye" may sound illogical, but it can be understood as the eye's response to discomfort. If the tears responsible for maintaining lubrication do not keep the eye wet enough, the eye becomes irritated. Eye irritation prompts the gland that makes tears (called the lacrimal gland) to release a large volume of tears, overwhelming the tear drainage system. These excess tears then overflow from the eye causing dry eyes as well.