Do you have dry eyes? Have you been having trouble determining why your eyes are dry?
Unfortunately, there are often many reasons that cause you to develop dry eye. You need to consider everything from environmental factors to your contact lenses. They can all affect how moist your eyes are.
We experience dry eye when your eyes do not get the right amount of lubrication to keep them moist. Dry eyes can be connected to tear production issues or other conditions.
Some symptoms you might experience include tired eyes, itchy eyes, red eyes, blurry vision, and a foreign body sensation. Keep reading for some of the reasons your eyes may be dry!
Age
It is possible for anyone to get dry eye, but it is a more common condition as we age. In adults who are 50 and up, they experience it more often.
Additionally, post-menopausal women have a higher risk of developing dry eye than men of the same age.
Screen (Computer, Phone, Tablet, etc.) Use
One of the downsides of looking at screens too much is that it reduces the number of times we blink our eyes.
Blinking is tied to keeping your eyes moist. Less blinking can lead to tears evaporating from your eyes too quickly. This can lead to dry eye symptoms.
Contact Lenses
This is one of the most common reasons people experience dry eye. People also stop wearing contact lenses due to the fact that they cause dry eye.
Wearing contacts can make it harder for oxygen to get into your eyes. Contact lenses cover the full surface of the eye. For some, this can lead to symptoms of dry eye.
Interior Environment
When we are indoors, too many factors can affect our eyes. Some of them include air conditioning, the direction fans blow, and heating systems.
These things can impact the moisture in the air and cause your tears to evaporate, which can give you dry eye. If you know you’ll be indoors a lot in the winter, you may want to consider a humidifier.
Humidifiers help bring moisture into the air, even during dry winter months.
Exterior Environments
Climates that are dry and/or windy can increase your chances of developing dry eye.
If you know you will be outside, wear sunglasses. Not only will they protect you from the sun, but they can help with dry eye.
Sunglasses should wrap around your face and cover your eyes completely. This keeps any airborne particles or dust out of your eyes while you are outside.
You Are a Smoker
Smoking is linked to a variety of health conditions, including dry eye. It is also connected to developing conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration.
Even secondhand smoke can lead to dry eye. Your best bet? If you’re a smoker, stop smoking!
Medications and Treatment
Some medical conditions and treatments are connected to the development of dry eye. Conditions can include diabetes, lupus, thyroid conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren’s syndrome.
There are also medications that can make you more likely to develop dry eye. These include antihistamines, birth control pills, and antidepressants.
Talk to your doctor if your dry eye seems to be because of your medications. You may be able to find a different medication that doesn’t cause the same symptoms.
Eyelid Problems
If you have issues with your eyelids, you can develop dry eye. Some of these problems can include not being able to close your eyes when blinking or resting.
These issues can develop as we age, get cosmetic treatments, or other reasons. You can develop a more intense case of dry eye, which can lead to corneal ulcers if you do not treat your dry eye.
Do you need help treating your dry eye symptoms? Schedule an appointment at Chicago Cornea Consultants™ in Chicago, IL!
