dry eye

noun

: a condition associated with inadequate tear production and marked by redness, itching, and burning of the eye

called also dry eye syndrome

Examples of dry eye in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Left alone, dry eye can create tiny abrasions on the cornea, raise infection risk and in rare cases cause scarring that permanently affects vision. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026 Johns Hopkins warns that untreated dry eye can cause corneal abrasions, infection or scarring that permanently affects vision. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026 The Vision Council also found 63% of adults have never heard of digital eye strain or know only its name, and half say the same of dry eye disease. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Oct. 2026 By the finale, there’s hardly a dry eye in the place — including onstage. — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dry eye

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dry eye was in 1950

Rhymes for dry eye

See All Rhymes for dry eye

Browse Nearby Words

dry-erase board
dry eye
dry-eyed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dry eye.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dry%20eye. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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Medical Definition

dry eye

noun
: a condition associated with inadequate tear production and marked by redness of the conjunctiva, by itching and burning of the eye, and usually by filaments of desquamated epithelial cells adhering to the cornea

called also keratoconjunctivitis sicca

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