What Are Three Causes Of Dry Eye?
Dry eye is a prevalent ocular complaint among many, particularly as they age. The condition transpires when the eyes fail to generate sufficient tears or when those tears dissipate promptly, leading to distress, inflammation, and even long-sightedness. There are several culprits for dry eye, such as aging processes, environmental components, and medicinal conditions or medications. Knowing the reasons behind dry eye is principal for averting and tackling this discomforting issue. We will delve into three frequent causes of dry eye here further.
Causes of Dry Eye
There are various causes of dry eye, which include:
- Age
As the realities of aging become inevitable, the human body experiences a plethora of ramifications one of them being ocular health. As humans grow older, the glands responsible for tear production begin to function inefficiently, leading to an uncomfortable condition known as ‘dry eye’ in which the eyes are unable to produce enough tears to lubricate themselves adequately.
- Environmental factors
With moisture levels at a low due to air-conditioning, heating, and dry air, the eyes become more vulnerable to environmental factors like smoke, dust, and wind. Unhydrated eyes can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as itchiness, inflammation, and redness all pointing toward dry eyes. Those working outdoors for long hours tend to be most affected by this condition likewise, those living in arid regions or high-elevation areas may also experience dry eye due to the lack of humidity in the atmosphere.
- Medical conditions
The production of essential oils that keep the tear film balanced can be affected by a number of medical conditions, such as diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders. Diabetes is particularly damaging to tear production, as it reduces nerve function and makes it harder for the eyes to close properly. The inflammation associated with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis also affects tear production. Medications taken for these conditions may influence tear production in a negative way Antihistamines, antidepressants, and some blood pressure medications can reduce the body’s capacity to produce tears or cause the quicker evaporation of existing moisture.
- Hormonal changes
Hormonal fluctuations can bring about a range of physiological changes and, in some cases, even dry eye. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable and their bodies produce heightened levels of hormones which, although beneficial for the fetus’s growth, can cause dryness in the eyes. Menopause too has a similar effect and taking oral contraceptives can increase the risk of developing dry eye. To ensure long-term ocular health and reduce the likelihood of dry eye, maintaining proper hydration and having regular check-ups with your doctor are highly recommended.
- Contact lens use
Contact lenses can provide an efficient way to correct vision, but they must be handled with care to avoid causing dryness of the cornea. Wearing lenses too long without a break or not keeping up with regular maintenance, such as cleaning and replacing expired solutions, can reduce oxygen availability, leading to dehydration and irritation. Sleeping with contacts can also lead to dryness due to the lack of tears produced while asleep. To practice ultimate safekeeping, adhere to proper contact lens hygiene by cleansing them frequently and replacing solutions when needed; doing so will help prevent dry eye and other potential issues.
Symptoms of dry eye
Dry eye is a condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort, irritation, and other symptoms. Some of the most common dry eyes symptoms include:
- Dryness
Dry eye is a condition that can cause discomfort or even lead to an infection, as it prevents the eyes from producing enough tears. Symptoms may include dryness, scratchiness, burning sensations, sensitivity to light, swollen and red eyes, blurred vision, and difficulty wearing contact lenses. To treat this condition, artificial tears or supplements could be used to help increase tear production, offering relief from symptoms. In more extreme cases, surgery might be necessary to improve tear production. If you think you may be suffering from dry eye, it is imperative to seek medical help in order to accurately diagnose and treat the root of the issue.
- Redness
Eye redness can be attributed to inflammation as a result of inadequate lubrication in the eyes due to insufficient tears or an unbalanced tear composition. This lack of moisture often causes discomfort and irritation, including redness, itching, burning, stinging, and sensations of grit within the eye. External factors such as a dusty or smoky atmosphere or exposure to irritants can exacerbate these symptoms. Severe cases such as this may necessitate professional medical treatment and further intervention like prescription artificial tears and ointment.
- Watery eyes
Having watery eyes is medically known as reflex tearing. Our eyes are equipped with numerous lacrimal glands that manufacture and release tears into the tear ducts. When the eyes experience dryness due to dry eye, the lacrimal glands are triggered to generate more liquid than usual, resulting in an overload of tears and watering of the eyes. Environmental factors like dust and pollen can also bring about reflex tearing, essentially through inflammation of the tear ducts. It is advisable to consult a doctor or healthcare provider if recurrent watery eyes persist.
Dry eye is a challenging affliction to deal with, yet by comprehending its root causes we can make informed, proactive decisions to stay ahead of it. Natural aging, deteriorating outdoor environment conditions, and increased use of digital devices are all contributors to dry eye. Being aware of these root causes is essential in order to protect eyesight and overall well being. Empowering ourselves with understanding brings us one step closer to addressing this issue successfully.