The information contained herein is not intended as a substitute for medical advice and care from qualified doctors of optometry. The reader should regularly consult a doctor in matters relating to his or her health and particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. 

• What is 20/20 vision?
  
• Is 25/25 vision better than 20/20?
  
• Why do some people have less than 20/20?
  
• If my vision is less than optimum, what can I do?
  
• When should children have their vision checked?
  
• What is astigmatism?
  
• What is nearsightedness?
  
• What is farsightedness?
  
• What is presbyopia?
  
• What are spots, floaters, and flashes?
  
• What is color blindness?
  
• What is double vision?
  
• What is glaucoma?
  
• What is a cataract?
  
• What is keratoconus (conical cornea)?
  
• What is dry eye?
  
• What is conjunctivitis?
  
• What is a stye?
  
• Are contacts for you?
  
• What are the advantages of wearing contact lenses?
  
• What are the disadvantages of wearing contact lenses?
  
• How do contact lenses correct vision?
  
• Why replace contact lenses frequently?
  
• When can you begin wearing contact lenses?
  
• Colored contacts
  
• Can I store contact lenses in tap water?
  
• Can I lose a lens behind my eye?
  
• How can I tell if I have the lens in the wrong eye?
  
• How can I tell if a soft lens is inside out?
  
• My lens has a very small chip or tear in the edge but it doesnt bother me. Should I replace it anyway?
  
• How do I know when to dispose of disposable lenses? They seem to be OK longer than I expected.
  
• My eyes get dry. What kind of eye drops can I use?
  
• There are so many solutions out there, how do I know which is best?

What is dry eye?

Dry eye describes eyes that do not produce enough tears. The natural tears that your eyes produce are composed of three layers:
- Outer oily layer
- Middle watery layer
- Inner mucus layer
Dry eye may occur because the volume of tears produced is inadequate. It may result because the composition of the tears has changed so that they are unstable and evaporate more quickly. If untreated this condition can harm the eyes. Excessive dry eye can damage tissue and possibly scar the cornea at the front of the eye, impairing vision. Dry eye can make contact lens wear more difficult since tears may be inadequate to keep the lenses wet and lubricated. This can lead to irritation and a greater chance of eye infection. Therefore, it is important to follow the recommended treatment plan.