What is a primary symptom of dry eye syndrome?

Decreased production of tears is a primary symptom of dry eye syndrome, a condition characterized by inadequate lubrication on the surface of the eye. In individuals with dry eye syndrome, the lacrimal glands do not produce enough tears to maintain a healthy and moist ocular surface. This insufficient tear production can lead to various symptoms, such as discomfort, a gritty or burning sensation, and visual disturbances.

While increased tear production might seem plausible, in dry eye syndrome, the eyes often respond to the lack of moisture by producing reflex tears, which are not sufficient to alleviate the underlying dryness. The presence of symptoms like redness of the eyelids or swelling around the eyes may occur due to irritation or inflammation but are not considered primary symptoms of dry eye syndrome. Instead, they may be secondary effects resulting from the condition, rather than direct indicators of insufficient tear production.