Common Causes of Dry Eye
Dry eye is a common condition affecting millions worldwide, often diminishing quality of life. At Redefined Eyecare, we understand the importance of identifying the root causes behind dry eye to offer effective solutions and relief to our patients. Identifying the triggers to dry eye is crucial for finding the right treatment for you.
In order to understand the causes of dry eye, it is important to understand how dry eye occurs. Dry eye occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the quality of tears are poor. This can cause symptoms such as itching, burning, redness, and blurred vision. To learn more about understanding dry eye, please refer to our previous article here.
Dry Eye is truly a multifactorial condition. Symptoms may be caused by one or more of the following:
Environmental Factors:
Climate: Areas with high temperatures, low humidity, and windy conditions contribute to rapid tear evaporation, increasing dry eye symptoms.
Indoor heating/cooling: Artificial heating and air conditioning systems can strip moisture from the air, drying out the eyes.
Digital Eye Strain:
Prolonged Screen Time: Extensive use of digital devices like computers, smartphones, and tablets reduces blink frequency, leading to evaporative dry eye.
Poor posture: Improper screen positioning can strain the eyes, promoting dryness and discomfort.
Aging:
Reduced Tear Production: As we age, tear production tends to decrease, making older adults more susceptible to dry eye.
Medications:
Certain medications can cause dry eye as a side effect by reducing tear production.
Medical conditions:
Autoimmune diseases: Certain autoimmune diseases can affect the glands responsible for tear production resulting in dry eye.
Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes are also at a higher risk of developing dry eye due to damage to the nerves that control tear production.
Contact Lens Wear:
Extended wear: Prolonged use of contacts can lead to dry eye symptoms due to reduced oxygen flow to the cornea and increased tear evaporation.
Incorrect fit: Contact lenses that do not fit correctly can cause irritation and inflammation increasing the risk of dry eye.
Lifestyle Factors:
Smoking: Certain chemicals in tobacco smoke can irritate the eyes and decrease moisture in the eyes.
Dietary Habits: Diets low in omega-3 fatty acids can impact tear quality increasing the risk of dry eye.
Understanding the common triggers behind dry eye is important in effectively managing this condition and improving quality of life. At Redefined Eyecare, we are committed to providing the best care for you and your eyes. During each dry eye consultation, we perform an extensive history, questionnaire, and specified testing and imaging to ensure we consider the appropriate treatment options. By identifying and addressing the causes of dry eye, we can alleviate discomfort, restore ocular health, and enhance overall well-being. Don’t let dry eye hold you back, schedule with us for a dry eye evaluation today.
