Alcon Canada

Dry Eye Signs and Symptoms

Dry eye can be challenging to diagnose, because patients can differ greatly in the number and intensity of symptoms they report. Some dry eye patients will exhibit both signs and symptoms; others may report symptoms but have no signs.

Signs and symptoms of dry eye can include one or more of the following:

Patient SymptomsClinical Signs
  • Dryness
  • Itchiness or scratchiness
  • Burning or stinging
  • Foreign body sensation
  • Grittiness
  • Fluctuating visual acuity
  • Tired eyes
  • General discomfort
  • Photophobia
  • Contact lens intolerance
  • Fast tear break-up time
  • Corneal surface damage
  • Conjunctival staining
  • Low tear meniscus
  • Tear debris
  • Hyperemia
  • Increased cytokines
  • Abnormal tear osmolarity

PRINTER-FRIENDLY
Copyright © 2010 Alcon, Canada, Inc. under license. All rights reserved. This site is intended for Canadian audiences only and is governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the laws of Canada applicable therein. See Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions for the use of this site.