What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is an unpleasant condition where the eyes feel sore, itchy, gritty, and irritated. It can develop as a result of several factors, such as age, genetics, environment, lifestyle, medications, and overall ocular health. Any of these may lead you to either not produce sufficient tears, or to produce tears whose balance of water, lipids, and mucus aren’t sufficient to lubricate your eyes properly.

Fortunately, this condition can be successfully treated. If you think you may have dry eye syndrome, contact The Focal Pointe, our experienced team of eye care professionals will offer you a proper evaluation and provide you with the best options to treat your DES.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) accounts for the majority of cases of dry eye syndrome. It occurs when an abnormality or blockage occurs in the small meibomian glands, which are located in your lower eyelid. This then prevents these tiny glands from producing the lipids needed to maintain the right balance for the optimum quality and functioning of the tears. A shortage of these lipids can cause the tears in your eyes to evaporate too quickly, resulting in dry eyes.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. The affected area is usually at the very end of the eyelid, located at the base of the eyelashes. This inflammation causes the tips of the eyelid to swell up, appear red and inflamed, and produce infected debris called scurf. If you think you may be suffering from this eye condition and are now seeking effective treatment, contact us today.

Certain medical procedures

Complications from certain medical procedures, including eye surgery and radiation therapy, will very often result in DES. Radiation therapy to treat head and neck cancers, cancer of the eye socket or whole brain radiation for brain cancer, often damages the lacrimal glands. The glands may decrease tear production and cause dry eye symptoms.

This is also true for laser eye surgery, such as LASIK, where DES symptoms may develop due to an increased corneal sensitivity following the surgery.

Cataract surgery does not typically worsen dry eyes, as only two very small incisions, less than 2mm each, are made in the cornea during this operation. They heal quickly after surgery. Many eye doctors will assess and treat dry eyes prior to cataract surgery, as a pre-existing dry eye condition can sometimes influence the accuracy of measurements, affecting quality of the vision following the surgery.

Diabetes

Diabetes can lead to dry eyes because of nerve neuropathy. Essentially, the nerves that control the tear ducts may stop functioning properly, resulting in decreased tear production. Furthermore, diabetes can cause loss of corneal sensitivity, which also impacts dry eye syndrome.

Sjogren’s Syndrome

This is an autoimmune disease that can affect the nerves and prevent the tear ducts from producing a sufficient volume of tears.

Thyroid disorder

The thyroid maintains the body’s hormonal and metabolic balance. Therefore, a malfunctioning thyroid alters the metabolism of the entire body – and your eyes are no exception. Both overactive and underactive thyroid conditions can result in dry eyes.

Certain medications

Several medications may cause a reduction in the functionality of the tear ducts and lead to dry eyes. These include:

• Diuretics
• Decongestants
• Antihistamines
• Anticholinergics
• Antidepressants
• Hormones
• Hypertension medication
• Dermatological agents
• Lortab (acetaminophen and hydrocodone)
• Ibuprofen (Advil)

Please inform us of any medications you are taking, whether over-the-counter or prescription meds, as this will enable us to better assess and treat your dry eye condition.

Hormonal changes

Sharp changes in your body’s hormone levels will often result in an inflammatory response that can result in dry, irritated eyes.

Pregnancy – Blurred vision, itchiness, burning, or discomfort when wearing contact lenses, as well as sensitivity to light may occur during the early stages of pregnancy, when hormones are most active. These hormones have also been shown to adversely impact meibomian glands, located within the upper and lower eyelid margins.

Healthy glands secrete oil in the tears to prevent tear film evaporation. However, when affected, the meibomian glands cause your tears to evaporate more quickly, resulting in unstable tear film and dry eye. The condition can last throughout the pregnancy, during postpartum recovery, and even through the breastfeeding phase.

Birth control – The pill, hormonal patches, vaginal rings or IUDs may cause similar hormonal changes as those found during pregnancy, thus resulting in decreased tear production. Producing fewer tears increases the likelihood of developing dry eyes.

Menopause – When undergoing menopause, the body produces less progesterone, estrogen, and androgens. The latest research indicates that androgens directly affect the delicate balance of tear production, meaning that fewer androgens will result in fewer tears.

Seasonal changes

Seasonal changes – particularly in the spring, summer, and fall – cause there to be a high amount of pollens and allergens in the air. Certain people develop an autoimmune response to these allergens, often resulting in ocular inflammation and dry eyes.

Wind and dryness

Dry climates tend to have high winds and little moisture in the air, which can cause the tears to evaporate quickly.

Indoor heating systems

Cold weather may lead you to spend most of your time indoors, exposed to dry heat. This can evaporate your tears, leading to inflamed, itchy eyes.

Reduced blinking when using digital devices

People tend to blink up to 66% less often when staring at a digital device. The blinks that are performed during computer work are only partial – which aren’t as effective at keeping the eyes moist. Making a conscious effort to blink more often can prevent dryness and irritation.

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

Eye infections, such as viral or bacterial conjunctivitis (or pink eye), can cause significant irritation, similar to that of dry eye syndrome. The symptoms will usually clear up once the infection has been treated.

Give yourself the gift of clear, comfortable vision. Schedule an appointment at The Focal Pointe today.