Causes of Dry Eye & How to Treat it

Dry eye, also known as dry eye syndrome (DES) or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a medical condition which can be temporary or chronic, and is characterized by a lack of sufficient moisture and lubrication on the surface of the eye. It occurs when the tear glands fail to produce adequate quantity or quality of tears leading to discomfort, itching, dryness, and a burning sensation in your eye. Treatment for dry eyes may make you more comfortable and this includes lifestyle changes and eye drops. Read on to learn about the causes of dry eyes and tips on how to get relief from it.

Causes

Common causes of dry eye include:

1. Ageing

As we get older, tear production decreases. Dry eye tends to affect people over the age of 50.

2. Environmental Factors

Factors like wind, dry air, smoke, and air conditioning can worsen dry eye symptoms.

3. Excess Screen Time

Extended screen time or staring at a computer screen for long can affect your tears and reduce blink rates leading to dry eye. In addition, some people may also experience eye-strain and tension headaches.

4. Medications

Certain medications, like anti-histamines, anti-depressants, and decongestants can cause dry eye as a side-effect.

5. Contact Lenses

Improper use or wearing of contact lenses for too long can lead to dry eyes.

6. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations, especially in women during pregnancy, menopause or while using birth control pills, can affect tear production.

7. Auto-immune diseases

Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome can result in dry eyes as it causes WBCs to attack your tear glands thereby reducing tear production.

8. Medical Conditions

Conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can contribute to dry eye symptoms.

9. Eye surgery

Procedure like LASIK can temporarily cause dry eyes.

10. Allergies

Seasonal allergies or any sort of allergic reaction can trigger dry eye.

11. Nutritional Deficiencies

Lack of essential fatty acids or vitamin A can affect tear quality.

12. Eyelid Problems

Conditions like blepharitis or ectropion can disrupt the normal tear film.

13. Wearing eyeglasses for long time

Prolonged wearing or poorly fitted glasses for too long can lead to dry eye symptoms.

14. Prolonged reading hours

Intense focus while reading and without blinking your eyes enough can lead to dry eyes.

15. Certain health habits

Smoking, dehydration, and excessive caffeine intake can worsen dry eye symptoms.

Tips for Relief

Here are some tips to help relieve dry eyes:

1. Blink regularly, especially when using screen or reading for extended periods.

2. Use OTC artificial tear drops to help lubricate your eyes and relieve dryness.

3. Adding moisture to the air by using a humidifier can help prevent dryness, especially in dry environments.

4. Take frequent breaks from screens. Follow 20-20-20 rule i.e. every 20 minutes of screen time look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

5. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated.

6. Protect your eyes from wind and sun exposure by wearing sunglasses as it can aggravate your dry eye symptoms.

7. Avoid exposure to smoke, dust and other irritants as it can worsen dry eyes.

8. Apply warm compresses to closed eyelids as it can help stimulate tear production and relieve discomfort.

9. Avoid rubbing your eyes as it can worsen irritation and damage the delicate surface of your eye.

10. Boost your omega-3 intake with foods rich in these fatty acids or by taking omega-3 supplements as studies suggest it can help improve tear quality.

11. Manage dry skin around your eyes by gently applying a blend of milk, apple cider vinegar, and vitamin E oil with a cotton ball.

When to see a Doctor

If symptoms persist or worsen, consult an eye care professional for a comprehensive, detailed evaluation to get a personalized treatment plan.