Why Are My Eyes So Dry?

Dry eye disease can be extremely annoying. It can make it difficult to perform simple tasks such as driving and reading. Do your eyes constantly feel irritated and dry? If they do, you need to know that you are not alone.


Dry eye disease is one of the most common conditions eye specialists see. One of the reasons this condition is so common is because it can be quite uncomfortable. Also, there are many contributing factors and potential causes for this eye condition. 




What Are Dry Eyes?



Dry eye disease can be chronic or temporary. Dry eyes occur due to a lack of moisture and lubrication on the eye’s surface. Your eyes need a consistent and adequate layer of tears to stay comfortable and healthy and see well. Even when you are not crying, your eyes still have tears.




What Do Tears Consist of?



Tears are a mixture of several ingredients that come from special tear glands around the eye. They consist of oils for lubrication, proteins and antibodies to prevent infection, mucus for even distribution, and water for moisture. If you frequently experience dry eyes, it means that your tear system is not working as it should.




What Causes Dry Eye?



Each component of your tear film serves an important function, as specified above. The tear oils/lipids, for example, prevent your tears from evaporating too quickly, in addition to increasing lubrication. Several factors can affect the health of your tear film, thereby causing dry eyes.


Some of the most common causes of dry eyes include:

 

Aging


People of all ages can experience dry eyes. But the older people get, this eye problem becomes more common. Dry eye disease tends to affect older individuals due to declining tear production. Fortunately, regularly using artificial tears can relieve eye dryness and provide the extra lubrication your eyes need.



Use of Digital Devices


Do you spend lots of time staring at various digital screens, such as your smartphone or computer? If you do, chances are you often experience tension headaches and eyestrain. Staring at a digital screen for hours can also affect your tears and cause you to experience dry eyes.


As people stare at a digital screen, they tend to blink less often, causing their tears to evaporate faster. Thus, you need to blink more frequently to lubricate your eyes if your job involves using a computer. You also need to rest your eyes for several minutes now and then.



Medications


Certain medications can affect the composition of mucus, oil, and water in your tear film, contributing to dry eyes. Such medications include some beta-blockers, antihistamines, diuretics, and antidepressants. If you experience dry eyes due to the medications you take, talk to your doctor about alternative medications.


Other potential causes of dry eyes include:
 

  • Menopause.
     

  • Laser surgery.
     

  • Wind exposure.
     

  • Vitamin A deficiency.
     

  • Blepharitis and some autoimmune conditions.
     

A mild case of dry eyes may not be a huge cause of worry since it passes quickly. But if your eyes are constantly or frequently dry, or you experience pain or symptoms such as poor night vision and blurry vision, you need to consult your eye doctor. These symptoms may be a sign of a more serious eye problem. 




To learn more about dry eye disease, visit Planet Vision Eyecare at our office in Greenacres and Lake Worth area. You can call (561) 556-4600 today to schedule an appointment.

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