What Causes Dry Eyes and How Can It Be Prevented?

Have you ever suffered from dry eyes? Many of us have had this experience and have often resolved this issue readily, all the while wondering what caused the issue in the first place! The long-term resolution of this matter isn’t always simple, nor are its causes.

Let’s review some of the symptoms and causes of dry eyes and some of the things one can do to keep this issue at bay.

1. What exactly is “dry eye”?
   Our eyes are coated with a film of tears that coats its outer layer. In addition, there are glands around the eye that work to keep the moisture level of the eye balanced for comfort. If you do not produce this essential moisture in your eyes, you will suffer from dry eyes.
2. What are some of the symptoms of dry eyes?
   Have you ever felt a burning sensation or grittiness in your eyes? Are your eyes red? Are they teary? Do you have so much “eye snot” when you wake up in the morning that your eyes feel like they’ve been glued shut? Are your eyes particularly itchy? Is your vision sensitive to light? Do any of these symptoms get worse throughout the day?
   You have dry eyes if you answered yes to any of these questions.
3. What are some of the causes of dry eyes?
   There are many reasons why someone may suffer from dry eyes. Aging is at the top of the list! Most afflicted are post-menopausal women due to decreased hormonal levels.
   Why is this, you might ask? As we all know, as a person ages, the body’s functions can decrease. Regarding our eyes, the production of tears decreases as one ages, and this will produce dry eyes.
   Other causes include:
   1. Hormonal changes: As mentioned above, post-menopausal women are most afflicted, but so are pregnant women for the same reasons.!
   2. A dry indoor environment, particularly during dry, cold winter months.
   3. The use of contact lenses, especially extended use.
   4. The use of certain medications, both legal and illegal. Drugs such as antihistamines, beta-blockers, THC, opium, and morphine will dry out your eyes.
   5. Illnesses like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Parkinson’s, and Graves’ disease might curtail your blinking and cause dry eye.
   6. Poor blinking habits will produce dry eye. If you spend a lot of time reading, playing games on your smart device, or looking at a computer screen for long stretches, you might not be blinking as you should because you are so focused on the screen.
4. What are some of the treatments available today for dry eyes?
   Ignoring your dry eyes will cause you a heap of trouble! If left untreated, dry eyes can cause severe damage and scarring of the cornea. Here are some easy tricks one can employ to treat dry eyes:
   1. Use artificial tears during the day. Local pharmacies will carry different types of artificial tears, including ones for sensitive eyes you can use to treat your symptoms without a prescription.
   2. A warm compress can help with dry eyes because heat soothes irritation or inflammation. This will also help stimulate the meibomian gland, which produces tears.
   3. Wear sunglasses, particularly while treating dry eyes when going out on sunny days.
   4. Give yourself a gentle eye massage. Doing so will improve blood circulation, alleviate tension, and help relax the muscles around your eyes while increasing tear production.
      Tip: An eye massage should never hurt.
   5. Apply lubricating ointments at night. Like artificial tears, local pharmacies will also offer lubricants for eyes that you can apply at night before you sleep.
5. How can one prevent dry eyes?
   1. Increase your water intake throughout the day. Tears are 98% water, 2% salt, and the many proteins. You’ve heard it repeatedly: one must drink six to eight glasses of water, at least eight fluid ounces a day.
   2. Sleep is crucial for your body to get the rest it needs. This is one way to prevent dry eyes, as this is the only time your eyes are closed for an extended period. So, get better sleep!
   3. Pay attention to your eyes when washing your face. Keeping your eyelids and eyelashes clean will go a long way!
   4. If you add fish oil to your diet, it will benefit the health of your eyes as it improves tear quality.
   5. Limit screen time. Today, when everyone has a computer or smart device we constantly use, we aren’t blinking enough. Did you know we only blink five times per minute when using a computer or a smart device?
   6. If your indoor environment is dry, this will be detrimental to your eye health. Get a humidifier. This will add moisture to the air, preventing dry eye and relieving it if you have it.
   7. If you wear contact lenses, take a break and wear glasses instead, especially while battling dry eye symptoms.
   8. Review your list of medications with your doctor. Request alternative medicines that will not dry out your eyes.
   9. Schedule regular visits with your eye doctor. They will catch any illnesses you may have that can cause dry eyes and prevent you from getting it. Some medical procedures can relieve dry eye symptoms, but if you can avoid them, then do so!
   10. Stay away from dusty areas. Getting dust in your eyes will cause itchiness and discomfort. It can also clog your tear ducts and cause dry eyes or even something more severe.

Many of the symptoms of dry eyes can be prevented with diligence. Taking these preventative steps will keep you from having to go through severe medical intervention.

This is all a part of self-care, and one should not neglect one’s health.