What are the symptoms of dry eye?

Ironically, one of the most common symptoms of dry eye is excessive watering, particularly in situations where tear evaporation is increased. For example, the decreased blink rate that accompanies tasks like reading and computer use is a common trigger. Dry environments (large buildings, hockey arenas, airplanes), moving air (a breeze outdoors, or the defrost vent in the car) and contact lens wear further increase evaporation. The eye may feel gritty, sandy, or begin to sting, and transient blurred vision is common. Symptoms typically worsen as the day progresses, but can be apparent upon awakening, when overnight mucous accumulation leaves ‘sleep’ in the corner of the eye.