Normally, the eye constantly bathes itself in tears.  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.

The eye uses two different methods to produce tears.  It can make tears at a slow, steady rrate to maintain normal eye lubrication.  It can also produce large quantities of tears in response to eye irritation or emotion.  When a foreign body or dryness irritates the eye, or when a person cries, excessive tearing occurs.

Some of the symptoms include:  burning, scratchiness, mucus, eye irritation from wind or smoke, excessive tearing and discomfort wearing contact lenses.

There are different ways of treating dry eye.  The most common is to use artificial tears.  This will add to your natural tears and can be purchased over the counter.  Another way is to conserve your tears by plugging the drainage areas.  A medication is available to help increase the quality of your tears called Restasis

It is best to see your eye care practitioner to evaluate your eyes for Dry Eye Syndrome.  That way you will receive the appropriate treatment.