Dry Eyes: Decoding the Causes of the Discomfort
Dry eye syndrome disrupts the delicate balance of your tear film. The tear film has three important layers: an oily, watery, and mucous layer. Each layer is crucial in keeping your eyes moist and functioning correctly. If any of these layers become compromised, they can cause various irritating symptoms, such as dryness, burning eyes, stinging, and blurred vision.
Schedule a consultation with us in Cincinnati, OH, for a detailed analysis of your symptoms. We also serve Kenwood, Montgomery, Milford, Marymont, Deer Park, Silverton, and Madisonville.
Main Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
These tiny glands are in your eyelids. They produce oils that form the outer layer of your tear film, which acts like a seal and prevents tears from evaporating too quickly. The blockage or inflammation of these glands (MGD) disrupts oil production.
This leads to a tear film that evaporates too quickly, causing dryness and irritation.
Blepharitis
This is an inflammation of the eyelids, often triggered by bacterial overgrowth or a malfunction of the oil glands themselves. Blepharitis can cause redness, swelling, crusting of the eyelids, and irritation along the lash line.
This eye condition can also clog the openings of the meibomian glands, contributing to MGD and further worsening dry eye symptoms.
Medical Procedures and Medications
Certain medical procedures, like LASIK surgery and other refractive eye surgeries, can sometimes damage or disrupt the tear glands. This results in decreased tear production or low-quality tears. An eye doctor may screen for dry eye disease before any procedures, including cataract surgery, which might affect the accuracy of a surgeon's measurements. Medications like antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and some high blood pressure medications can cause dry eye symptoms as a side effect.
This is because they often work by reducing tear production or by increasing tear evaporation.
Medical Conditions Affecting Dry Eye
Autoimmune diseases like diabetes, thyroid disorders, Sjogren's syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis can target the tear glands, reducing tear production and leading to dryness. These conditions cause the body's immune system to attack healthy tissues, and in some cases, the tear glands can become inflamed or damaged, affecting their ability to produce tears.
Hormonal Changes in Women
Fluctuations in estrogen levels during menopause, pregnancy, and contraceptive use can also contribute to dry eye. During these hormonal shifts, the body may produce fewer tears or tears of a poorer quality. This is because estrogen plays a role in regulating tear production, and a decrease in estrogen levels can disrupt this delicate balance.
Environmental Factors
Dry air, wind, smoke, and prolonged exposure to air conditioning or heating systems can speed up tear evaporation and worsen dry eye symptoms. Dry air, in particular, can draw moisture away from your eyes, leaving them feeling dry and irritated. Using digital devices for prolonged periods without enough breaks can trigger dry eyes.
Contact lenses
People who wear traditional contact lenses often complain of dry eye symptoms. These symptoms can be exacerbated by improper contact lens hygiene or wearing the contacts too many hours at a time. For those with an underlying dry eye condition, specialized contact lenses may be required.
Eye infections
When you have dry eyes, the tear film becomes compromised. This leaves your eyes more vulnerable to infection. The itchiness and irritation associated with dry eye can lead to more frequent rubbing, introducing bacteria from your hands to your eyes.
Eye infections can worsen dry eye symptoms. The inflammation caused by an infection can also disrupt tear production and the quality of tears, leading to increased dryness.
Simple Home Remedies for Dry Eyes
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon and tuna, flaxseeds, and walnuts, may have anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit dry eyes. Consider incorporating these foods into your diet or speaking to your physician about omega-3 supplements.
- Apply Warm Compresses: This age-old remedy can be quite effective. Soak a clean washcloth in warm water, wring out excess moisture, and place it gently over your closed eyelids for 5-10 minutes. The warmth helps melt any blockages in the meibomian glands.
- Increase Humidity: Consider using a humidifier in your home, particularly in your bedroom at night, to add moisture to the air and help keep your eyes comfortable.
- Increase Your Blink Rate & Take Screen Breaks: We blink naturally to spread tears across our eyes and keep them lubricated. However, extended screen time can decrease the blink rate, which is why you should attempt to blink more often and limit screen time.
- Avoid Irritants: Smoke, dust, wind, and air conditioning irritate dry eyes. Limit your exposure to these triggers whenever possible.
- Eyelid Hygiene: Blepharitis contributes to dry eye. Regularly cleaning your eyelids with a gentle cleanser recommended by your eye doctor can help remove bacteria and debris that may aggravate the condition.
- Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter eye drops can provide temporary relief by lubricating your eyes. Opt for preservative-free options if you experience frequent dryness.
