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1. Dry eye syndrome is a group of disorders affecting the tear film.

2. In the U.S., about six million women and three million men have moderate or severe symptoms of dry eye syndrome, and it is estimated that an additional 20 to 30 million people have mild cases of dry eye syndrome. Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common reasons that people visit their eye health professional.

3. Dry eye syndrome tends to occur most often in people older than 40, especially women.

4. Although dry eye syndrome can affect vision, it rarely produces permanent vision loss.

5. Early symptoms of dry eye syndrome may include eye redness, burning, stinging, and/or gritty sensation in the eye, especially in an environment with low humidity; a feeling that something is in the eye; trouble wearing contact lenses; a gritty feeling that can be persistent and painful; eye dryness and excessive tearing.

6. As dry eye worsens, symptoms become more persistent. Patients with severe cases may also have eyes that are unusually sensitive to light, and may experience severe eye pain, or notice changing or fluctuating vision.

7. Dry eye can be a symptom of an autoimmune disease called Sjögren's syndrome that attacks the body's lubricating glands.

8. Dry eye syndrome has no cure, but it can be treated.

9. Over-the-counter artificial tears in eye drop form are the main treatment for dry eye. Anyone experiencing dry eye symptoms or using artificial tears more than two to three times a day should see an eye care professional for a diagnosis. Additionally, dry eye can be aggravated by a number of external factors, including computer use and exposure to air conditioning, heating, dust, allergens and wind.

10. Punctal plugs that block tear drainage channels can help conserve tears for dry eye suffers who get no relief from artificial tears.