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Dry Eye Causes: Taking A Closer Look to Understand What It Is
When was the last time you cried? Our eyes produce tears during intense emotions, allergic reactions, or irritation. However, sometimes, the eyes don’t create enough, or something affects one or more tear film layers responsible for lubrication and protection. Either causes dry eyes, leading to discomfort.
Read further to understand how tears work, dry eyes symptoms and causes, and how to manage this condition better.
How Do Tears Work?
Blinking causes a film of tears to spread over the eyes, keeping the surface smooth and clear. This tear film is essential for good vision and is made of three layers that serve a purpose.Â
The oily layer, the first one, ensures the tear surface is smooth and keeps the tears from drying too quickly. Next is the watery layer, which makes up most of what we see as tears and cleans the eye to wash away unwanted particles. The last layer, the mucus layer, spreads the watery layer over the eye’s surface, keeping it moist. The mucus is essential as it helps tears to stick to the eye.
These layers play a role and are essential in maintaining healthy eyes. Thus, disrupting any of the tear films can lead to dry eyes.
What is Dry Eye?
Our eyes need tears to stay healthy and comfortable. Dry eyes happen when the eyes don’t produce enough tears, evaporate quickly, or make the right tears or tear film, creating an uncomfortable, irritating sensation.
A person needs smooth or stable tear films to see clearly. Disruptions in the tear film can cause uncomfortable symptoms like burning, itching, watering, or blurred vision. Dry eyes can make daily activities challenging. Therefore, knowing what symptoms to look out for will help identify what steps you need to take to improve your condition.
What are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?
Dry eyes can be mild to severe. When you have this condition, it might feel like something is in your eye you want to come out. The sensation can feel gritty, scratchy, or sandy. Possible dry eye symptoms include eye pain or discomfort, blurred vision, and increased light sensitivity. Others are the following:
- Burning or stinging eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred or changed vision, especially when reading
- Strings of mucus in or around the eyes
- Watery eyes, with excess tears running down the cheeks
- Eye sensitivity to smoke or wind
- Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
- Eyelids sticking together when waking up
- Difficulty keeping the eyes open
Although it sounds uncommon, the eyes produce more tears the more they get irritated by dry eyes. Thus, knowing what causes dry eyes can help you identify what to do and avoid.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
It is common for people to produce fewer tears with age due to hormonal changes. However, there are other causes of dry eyes. Take note of the following risk factors:
- Certain diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, and lupus
- Blepharitis (swollen or red eyelids)
- Smoke, wind, or dry climate
- Prolonged screen time and reading activities that reduce blinking
- Prolonged use of contact lenses
Does Dry Eye Go Away?
Getting to the root eases the causes of dry eyes easier. For instance, contact lens wearers can use eye drops to help add lubrication. The Artificial Tears Formula helps to keep eyes hydrated and moist during lens wear, preventing discomfort and blurry vision.
Managing underlying symptoms is best as various conditions, like diabetes, lead to dry eyes. Plus, lifestyle and environmental changes can lower the risk of developing the condition. Taking frequent computer breaks, avoiding cigarette smoke, adding a humidifier to your room, and using lubricating eye drops can help manage the signs of dry eyes.
It’s time to manage your dry eye symptoms. Visit any EO-Executive Optical store near you for a free eye checkup and talk to an expert regarding your symptoms. Loving your eyes is easier when you have the knowledge and tools to take control of dry eyes.
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