ANSWER:

As you get older, your body makes fewer, lower-quality tears. You may have more than you used to – these are called reflex tears. But they do not stick around long enough to get your eye wet. Other signs of dry eyes are:

  • Sandy or scratchy feeling
  • Burning or stinging
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Stringy discharge
  • Heavy eyelids
  • Changes in vision

Over-the-counter artificial tears can help, but you should use them only during the day. Other treatments can help more severe cases.