Dry Eyes

What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office

Your doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination, including a careful eye examination.

To help better understand your dry eyes, your doctor may ask the following:

• How long have you had dry eyes? Does it involve one or both eyes?
• Do you have it all of the time or does it only occur at certain times, with certain activities, or in certain places?
• Does the dryness seem related to wind, dust, chemicals, sun, or light exposure?
• Does it affect your vision?
• Does it cause pain?
• Do your eyelids close easily?
• Have you noticed any drainage from your eyes?
• Does anything make your dry eyes worse?
• Does anything make your dry eyes better?
• Have you tried artificial tears? Do they help?
• Are you taking any medications? Which ones ?
• Have you had surgery or an injury to your eyes or nose?
• Do you have allergies?
• Have you been using any new cosmetics?
• Do you have any other symptoms like dry mouth or joint discomfort?