Tears aren't just for crying. They help moisturize and lubricate the eye to help you see. However, if your eyes feel dry, irritated and uncomfortable, you may have a condition known as chronic dry eye.

This happens when the eyes don't produce the right amount and right quality of tears. Tears are a combination of water, oils, mucus and special proteins, which are secreted by special glands around the eye. Chronic dry eye occurs when there is an imbalance of these substances and not enough tears to lubricate the eye.

Because this is often caused by hormonal changes, it affects many women after menopause. As many as one in 12 women over 50 have chronic dry eye. It's a serious condition that can lead to a higher risk for infection and permanent vision problems.

  
     
 
The symptoms are dry, itchy eyes and blurry vision, making it difficult for those who suffer from chronic dry eye to go about their daily lives. They may feel like there is something in their eyes, and the eyes may hurt, itch and become red. These symptoms may worsen later in the day. Tears running down the face of a person with chronic dry eye indicate that the eyes aren't getting enough lubrication.
 
 
     
 

Allergy medications, antihistamines, decongestants, diuretics, hormone replacement therapy and blood pressure medications may also cause symptoms.

  
     
 
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