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If you experience gritty, irritated, or burning eyes and these symptoms get worse as the day goes on, you are probably one of the millions of people with a problem called dry eye.
Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) or Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, is a very common condition that increases with age and affects 2 to 3 times more women than men.
Dry eye is caused by multiple factors. Some of the factors that cause and contribute to dry eyes include:
- Natural Ageing
- Excessive contact lens use
- LASIK Surgery
- Infrequent or incomplete blinking associated with prolonged computer use
- Low humidity environments such as aeroplanes, hot or cold climates or those dry windy conditions, indoor heating or air conditioning
- Irritants such as smoke or dust
- Allergies
- Certain diseases like Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and others
- Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids)
- Hormonal changes experienced during pregnancy and post menopause
- Medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, oral contraceptives and some heart medications
Dry eye through normal ageing
The most common cause of severe dry eye is the normal ageing process. Over time, your body produces less oil – 60% less at age 65 than at age 18. With less oil to seal the watery layer, the tear film evaporates much faster, leaving eyes feeling dry, gritty, and irritated. According to some estimates, as many as 75% of people over age 65 will experience severe dry eye.
Excessive contact lens wear
People who wear contact lenses have an increased risk of developing Dry Eye Syndrome, as contact lenses absorb the tear film and increase the evaporation of tears.
 Environmental factors
Dry eye symptoms also can be triggered by environmental factors including low humidity environments (such as aeroplanes, deserts, high altitudes, and wind chill), indoor heating and air conditioning and exposure to cigarette smoke.
Poor blinking habits coupled with prolonged computer use or reading can result in dry and sore eyes.
Diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome
Certain diseases and medications can lead to severe dry eye. For example, Sjogren’s syndrome is a chronic, autoimmune disease characterized by dry eyes, dry mouth and arthritis. Many other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma and thyroid disease can also cause severe dry eye.
Medications
Many medications inhibit tear production including antihistamines, antidepressants, oral contraceptives and some heart medications.
Treating dry eye
It is important to visit your eye doctor if you experience dry eye symptoms, which include:
- Itching
- Burning
- Irritation
- Redness
- Blurred vision that improves with blinking
- Excessive tearing
- Increased discomfort after periods of reading, watching TV or using a computer
When visiting your doctor, be specific about the symptoms you experienced or are experiencing, the time of day you experience them and whether they are aggravated by certain activities. Your doctor can help you determine the causes and the severity of dry eye symptoms, as well as recommend the best treatments for you.
There is no cure for dry eye. If left unattended, dry eye can lead to scarring of the cornea and even vision loss.
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Acknowledgments
This page is based on information provided by Eye Eco, manufacturer of hydrating therapy products that are non-invasive, preserve natural tears and promote eye health.
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