Decreased tearing

Alternative names:

hyposecretion of tear glands; tearing, decreased

Home care:

Artificial tears are available over-the-counter or by prescription in either drops or ointment.

Call your health care provider if:

• decreased tearing is significant, prolonged, or associated with other unexplained symptoms.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination, including an eye examination, will be performed.

Medical history questions documenting decreased tearing in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • How long have you had decreased tearing?
  • Is it constant?
  • Does it only occur at certain times or in certain places?

• quality
  • Does it affect vision?
  • Does it cause pain?
  • Do the eyelids close easily?
  • Has drainage from eyes or nose been noticed?

• location
  • Does it involve both eyes?

• aggravating factors
  • What makes it worse?
  • What medications are being taken?
  • Has there ever been surgery or an injury to the eyes or nose?
  • Does it seem to be related to exposure to wind, dust, chemicals, sun, or light?
  • Are there any allergies?
  • Are cosmetics used (eye make-up, face lotions, astringents)?

• relieving factors
  • Does anything help relieve it?
  • Have artificial tears been used?

• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• culture and sensitivity testing of tear specimen
• Schirmer's test

Intervention:
For non-traumatic decreased tearing, artificial tears may be prescribed.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to dry eyes to your personal medical record.