Causes of Dry Eye
What is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the right quality of tears to keep the surface of your eyes properly lubricated. This can lead to discomfort, redness, and irritation. Understanding the causes of dry eye is essential for effective management and relief.
Common Causes of Dry Eye
Lifestyle Factors
Prolonged screen time on computers, TVs, or electronic devices reduces blinking and worsens dry eye symptoms.
Environmental factors such as air conditioning, wind, smoke, and dry climates can also exacerbate the condition.
Age
The risk of dry eye increases with age, as tear production naturally declines over time.
Gender
Women are more prone to dry eye due to hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, menopause, and oral contraceptive use.
Other Contributing Factors
Long-term contact lens use: Prolonged wear can disrupt tear production.
Refractive eye surgery: Procedures like LASIK may temporarily decrease tear production.
Medications: Certain drugs, including antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications, can reduce tear production.
Medical Conditions: Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, thyroid issues, and inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis) are associated with dry eye.
How to Manage Dry Eye
Identifying the cause of your dry eye is the first step toward effective treatment. Whether it’s environmental changes, lifestyle adjustments, or medical intervention, our team is here to help.
Contact us today to learn more about treatment options or take our Dry Eye Quiz to assess your symptoms!