Causes of Dry Eye: What You Need to Know

Dry eye is more than just an occasional annoyance. It can cause irritation, blurry vision, and discomfort. Understanding what leads to dry eye is key to managing its symptoms. Let us look at some common causes and how they affect your eyes.
 

Decreased Tear Production

Dry eye often happens when your eyes do not make enough tears. Tear production naturally slows down as we age, especially after 50. Certain medical conditions, like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, can also lower tear production. If your eyes feel dry and scratchy often, this could be the cause.
 

Poor Tear Quality

Your tears are made up of water, oil, and mucus. Each layer has a job to keep your eyes hydrated. When these layers are imbalanced, your tears evaporate too quickly. This leaves your eyes feeling dry and irritated, even if your tear production is normal.
 

Environmental Factors

Dry, windy, or smoky environments can make dry eye symptoms worse. Spending long hours in air-conditioned or heated spaces can also dry out your eyes. Screen time adds to the problem, as we blink less while looking at screens. These factors often combine to make your eyes feel tired and strained.
 

Medications that Contribute

Certain medications can reduce tear production as a side effect. Common culprits include antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants. Blood pressure medications and birth control pills can also affect tear production. This is the reason if you have recently started a new medication and noticed dry eyes.
 

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes, especially in women, are a significant cause of dry eye. Menopause, pregnancy, or birth control use all affect tear production. These changes lead to increased dryness and discomfort over time.
 

Contact Lens Use

Wearing contact lenses for long periods can contribute to dry eye symptoms. Contacts can disrupt the natural tear film on the surface of your eyes. Over time, this may cause irritation or discomfort, especially if you already have dry eyes. Switching to daily lenses or using rewetting drops can help.
 

Health Conditions that Increase Risk

Certain health conditions increase your risk of developing dry eye. Autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis are common examples. Thyroid disorders can also impact your eyes, leading to reduced tear production. Managing these underlying conditions can improve dry eye symptoms.
 

How Lifestyle Choices Impact Dry Eye

Lifestyle choices, like spending long hours on digital devices, can worsen dry eye symptoms. Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke can also irritate your eyes. Staying hydrated and taking regular breaks during screen time can help ease the discomfort. Small changes can make a big difference.
 

When to Seek Help

Occasional dryness is normal, but chronic dry eye should be evaluated by an eye doctor. If your symptoms interfere with daily life or do not improve, it is time for professional care. Your doctor can pinpoint the cause and recommend treatments that work for you.
 

Dry eye can stem from a variety of causes, but understanding them is the first step to relief. From hormonal changes to environmental factors, many triggers are manageable with the right care.
 

For more on dry eye, visit Radiant Eye Care. Our office is in Elgin, Illinois. Call (847) 874-2020 to book an appointment today.

Sources: 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-eyes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371863