Do you have dry eyes?
If you do, then chances are high that you may have dry eye syndrome. This is also popularly known as dry eyes. Dry eyes largely occur when your eyes fail to produce enough tears to keep the surface of your eyes lubricated and nourished. It also occurs when the tears produced in your eyes evaporate too quickly. There are a number of causes of dry eyes. It’s important to be aware of these causes if you are suffering from dry eyes. Here are some of the reasons why your eyes might be dry.
1. Hormonal changes
Hormones play a crucial role in tear production. In addition, they stimulate the production of tears. Some hormonal changes, particularly in women, can significantly increase the risk of dry eyes. Hormonal changes that take place in women during pregnancy, menopause and while using contraceptive pills can lead to dry eyes.
2. Aging
Dry eyes syndrome is quite prevalent among older people. This is because our eyes tend to produce fewer tears as we get older. Moreover, our eyelids get less effective at spreading tears over the eyes’ surface as we age.
3. Contact lenses
Prolonged wearing of contact lenses can lead to eye irritation. This can also cause dry eye syndrome. This condition can frequently occur when your contact lenses become ineffective. It is always important to change your contact lenses once they become ineffective. Alternatively, you can limit your use of contact lenses to combat dry eyes as prolonged dependence on contact lenses can be a causing factor as well. If you are having dry eyes and you are still wearing your contacts, it is imperative to change the cleaning solutions or try using lubricant eye drops.
Learn more about Contact Lenses
4. Medical conditions
There are some medical conditions that have been proven to increase the risk of getting dry eye syndrome. For instance, lots of people struggling with dry eyes tend to have blepharitis , which is also known as MGD (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction). This condition causes inflammation of eyelid margins, hence blocking the glands that produce tears in the eyes. Other medical conditions that have been linked with dry eyes include scleroderma, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis among others.
5. Environment and activities
Some environmental factors such as the sun, wind, and dry climates can also have a prolonged drying effect on the eyes, making tears evaporate too quickly. Certain activities like reading and working on a computer can lead to dry eyes then you use prescription sunglasses. You are less likely to blink during these activities. This is because they require a lot of visual concentration. Engaging in these activities for a long amount of time can make your tear film drain away or evaporate faster than it is replenished. It is important to watch how much time you spend on these sorts of activities. Lessening your amount of activities requiring high visual concentration can reduce your risk of getting dry eyes.
There are several causes of dry eye syndrome apart from the ones mentioned here. It is important you stay away from the things that may worsen dry eye syndrome if you are experiencing dry, crusty eyes.
Please schedule an appointment today with Dr. Johnson.