Dry eye affects as many as 1 in 5 people.  Severity can vary, but many symptoms are the same: burning, redness, sandy or gritty feeling, and even watery eyes.  These symptoms can become worse when winter is here, because the air is dryer. Most people will use some eye drops that they can get over-the-counter.  This will provide temporary relief in some cases.  However, most patients require prescription eye drops as well as other therapies, including punctal occlusion and/or nutritional supplements.  The cause of the dry eye should be determined by a routine eye examination and then appropiate course of therapy can be determined.