Dry eyes can be uncomfortable. The dryness may make your eyes feel dry or hot. Your eyes may also water a lot. In some cases, dry eyes make it feel like there is sand or dirt in your eyes.

From time to time, dry eyes may cause you to have blurry vision. But dry eyes don’t usually cause lasting problems with vision.

There are many causes of dry eyes. Sometimes dry weather, smoke, or pollution can bother the eyes. Other times, allergies or contact lenses irritate the eyes. Older people often have dry eyes because our eyes do not make as many tears as we age. In some cases, diseases can cause dry eyes. These include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Sjögren’s syndrome. In other cases, medicines are to blame. Your doctor may want to do tests to help find the cause of your dry eyes.

You can work with your doctor to find ways to help your eyes feel better. Home treatment often helps.