Recent Blog Articles

Postpartum anxiety is invisible, but common and treatable

The popularity of microdosing of psychedelics: What does the science say?

Pouring from an empty cup? Three ways to refill emotionally

Is pregnancy safe for everyone?

New pediatric guidelines on obesity in children and teens

Screening tests may save lives — so when is it time to stop?

Natural disasters strike everywhere: Ways to help protect your health

The case of the bad placebo

Do we feel pain more at night?

If you use cannabis, do it safely
Diseases & Conditions
Is there help for my dry eyes?
- By Toni Golen, MD, Contributor, and
- Hope Ricciotti, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch
Ask the doctors
Q. My eyes have been feeling scratchy and irritated lately. Is there anything that can help?
A. While only a doctor can tell you what is causing your symptoms, you could be experiencing dry eye syndrome, a problem caused by declining tear production. With less of this natural lubricant, eyes may get irritated or sensitive to light, or vision may be blurry. Some people also experience a feeling of stickiness or fewer tears when crying.
Dry eye syndrome becomes more common as people age, but it can also be caused by hormone changes, like the ones that occur during menopause, or certain medications, such as antihistamines and decongestants. There are strategies and treatments that can help. First, reduce eye strain by minimizing screen time or taking regular breaks. Also use a humidifier inside, particularly in the winter. There are many treatments for dry eye, including drops and ointments, which provide artificial lubrication, reduce inflammation, or stimulate the body to produce more natural tears. They’re not a cure, but can help ease symptoms.
— Toni Golen, M.D., and Hope Ricciotti, M.D.
Editors in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch
Image: © fizkes/Getty Images
About the Authors

Toni Golen, MD, Contributor

Hope Ricciotti, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
You might also be interested in…

The Aging Eye: Preventing and treating eye disease
As the eyes age, problems with vision become more common. The Aging Eye: Preventing and treating eye disease explains how to recognize the risk factors and symptoms of specific eye diseases — cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy — and what steps you can take to prevent or treat them before your vision deteriorates.
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!