What is a common symptom of dry eye syndrome?

A common symptom of dry eye syndrome is sensitivity to light, also known as photophobia. This condition arises when the tear film responsible for lubricating the eyes is inadequate, leading to discomfort and potential damage to the surface of the eye. When the eyes are dry, they can become inflamed and more sensitive to external stimuli, such as bright lights. This heightened sensitivity can make it challenging to be in environments with bright lighting or glare.

While redness of the eyes, blurry vision, and frequent blinking can also occur with dry eye syndrome, they are not as direct an indicator of the condition as sensitivity to light. Redness typically results from inflammation, blurry vision is often a consequence of the unstable tear film, and frequent blinking may occur as a compensatory mechanism to help spread tears across the surface of the eye. However, sensitivity to light is a more definitive symptom linked specifically to the irritation and discomfort caused by dryness in the ocular surface.