What is dry eye?
Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when your tears are not able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. This can happen for several reasons including:
- Decreased tear production: Your body may not produce enough tears. This can be due to aging, certain medical conditions (such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid disorders), or some medications (like antihistamines, decongestants, hormone replacement therapy, and antidepressants).
- Increased tear evaporation: Tears can evaporate too quickly if the lipid (oily) layer of your tear film is insufficient. This can be caused by conditions like blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids), rosacea, or environmental factors such as wind, smoke or dry air.
- Imbalanced tear composition: Tears are made up of three layers: oil, water, and mucus. Problems with any of these layers can cause dry eye. For instance, a deficiency in the oil layer can lead to quicker evaporation of the tears.
Who is most likely to be affected by dry eye?
Dry eye can affect anyone, but certain groups of people are more likely to experience it. Factors that increase the likelihood of developing dry eye include:
- Age: Dry eye is more common in people over the age of 50. Tear production tends to decrease with age.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop dry eye due to hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives, and menopause.
- Medical conditions: individuals with certain medical conditions are at higher risk, including those with:
- Diabetes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Thyroid disorders
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Lupus
- Medications: Some medications can reduce tear production, including:
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Antidepressants
- Blood pressure medications
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Environmental factors: Prolonged exposure to windy, smoky, or dry environments can contribute to dry eye. Frequent use of air conditioning or heating can also dry out the eyes.
- Screen time: Spending long hours in front of screens can reduce blinking frequency, leading to dry eye symptoms.
- Contact lenses: Wearing contact lenses for extended periods can contribute to dry eye.
- Refractive eye surgery: Procedures like LASIK can sometimes decrease tear production and contribute to dry eye symptoms.
- Diet: A diet low in omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of dry eye.
- Eyelid problems: Conditions like blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) can affect the balance and stability of the tear film.
- Smoking: Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke can exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
Symptoms of dry eye:
- Stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye redness
- Foreign body sensation
- Watery eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Blurred vision or eye fatigue
Management of dry eye:
- Artificial tears and eye drops: over-the-counter artificial tears can alleviate the symptoms
- Lifestyle and home remedies: Taking breaks from screen time, using a humidifier, and avoiding smoke can help.
- Medications: Prescription medications to reduce inflammation, stimulate tear production, or manage underlying conditions
Procedures: In some cases, punctal plugs may be recommended to keep tears from draining away too quickly