(BPT) - Dry eye affects up to 40 million Americans, has many causes, and a variety of symptoms. Those who suffer from dry eye know one thing: that it can be very uncomfortable. Common dry eye symptoms include scratchiness or grittiness, the feeling of a foreign particle in the eye, redness and even excessive reflex watering.

Attacking the cause vs. the symptoms

The underlying factor in dry eye syndrome is inflammation. Reducing inflammation on the surface of the eye and regulating the glands that produce tears are essential to effectively managing dry eye. Artificial tears and rewetting drops may offer temporary relief, but this only treats the symptom.