Dry eye disease is a very common condition that occurs when your tears are unable to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. It can be due either to your inability to produce enough tears or you produce poor-quality tears. This tear instability leads to inflammation and can damage a person’s corneal surface leading to various degrees of eye discomfort.

Most Common Symptoms

• A burning, stinging or scratchy sensation in your eyes
• Pain or redness in the eyes
• Heavy eyelid feeling
• Sensitivity to light and nighttime driving difficulty
• Blurred vision or eye fatigue
• Stringy mucus in your eyes
• Watery eyes, which is the body’s response to the irritation of dry eyes

Basic Causes of Dry Eyes

There are many causes of dry eyes. Some may be preventable while some are not. The most common causes are:

• Using a computer for long hours continuously: Excessive screen time causes your tear
  production to slow down. You also blink less often. This can occur at any age.
• Aging: As we grow older, our bodies may lose the capacity to produce high quality tears. Tears with insufficient quality or quantity both can lead to dry eye.
• Hormonal changes: Some hormonal changes that occur during menopause, pregnancy, or birth control may cause dry eyes.
• Disease: Conditions such as Thyroid disease contribute to dryness.
• Medication Usage: Some medications may reduce tear production leading to dry eyes.
• Environmental Factors: Factors like exposure to cold weather, windy weather, or hot climates may contribute.

Treatment and Advice

For more information on dry eye management and treatment, call and make your appointment to see one of the doctor’s at Optometric Images. We’re here for you!