Are your eyes constantly dry and irritated? Do you feel like there’s something stuck in your eye, but nothing is there? Everyone experiences dry eye at some point in their lives. Often, dry eye can be managed with over-the-counter artificial tears or lifestyle changes. However, if symptoms are severe and don’t get better, it’s best to see a specialist. In this blog post, we’ll explore the common causes of dry eyes and share some tips for finding relief.
Aging
One common cause of dry eyes is simply age. As we get older, our bodies produce fewer tears, leading to an increase in dryness and irritation. Hormonal changes during menopause can also contribute to dry eyes. Using artificial tears regularly or prescription medications can help relieve discomfort.
Medications
Certain medications such as antihistamines, acne medications, birth control, decongestants, and antidepressants can have a drying effect on the eyes. If you think your medication is causing your dry eyes, talk to your doctor about possible alternatives or ways to manage your symptoms.
Environmental factors
Environmental factors can impact your eyes in several ways, including triggering dry eyes. For example, spending time in a dry or windy environment can dry out your eyes. Air conditioning and central heating can also cause dry eyes by reducing the amount of moisture in the air. You may also notice dryness and discomfort after staring at screens or reading for long periods. To prevent this, you can try using a humidifier at home or work, wearing sunglasses or protective eyewear on windy days, and taking frequent breaks from screens.
Medical conditions
In some cases, underlying health conditions such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., Sjogren’s syndrome), diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis can cause chronic dry eye symptoms. If you have one of these conditions and are experiencing dry eye symptoms, it’s important to discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider or eye doctor. They can help determine the underlying cause of your dry eyes and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a common eye condition that makes your eyelids irritated and inflamed. This inflammation can cause symptoms such as redness, itching, and swelling of the eyelids. Blepharitis can also lead to an overgrowth of bacteria on the eyelids, contributing to dry eye symptoms. As bacteria accumulate on the eyelids, it can disrupt the normal functioning of the oil glands responsible for producing an important part of our tears. Disruptions in tear production can reduce tear quality and quantity, causing dry eyes.
At Family Eye Care, we offer ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) as part of our comprehensive approach to eye care. ZEST is a unique deep cleaning process designed to cleanse and soothe the eyelids and eyelashes. This helps relieve inflammation and promote healthy functioning of your tear glands, leading to improved tear quality and reduced dryness.
Demodex infestations
Demodex mites are microscopic parasites that live on the skin and hair follicles of mammals, including humans. While they are a normal part of the skin’s ecosystem, an overpopulation of these mites can lead to various skin and eye issues, including dry eye. A Demodex infestation can cause inflammation along your eyelids and disrupt your tear glands, leading to decreased tear production and dry eye symptoms. ZEST is an effective treatment for killing Demodex mites and removing dirt and debris that could be contributing to dryness and discomfort.
If you’ve been struggling with dry eyes and are looking for a solution that works, schedule an appointment at Family Eye Care. Our dry eye specialists in Bristol, Connecticut can assess your symptoms, diagnose any underlying issues contributing to your discomfort, and recommend personalized treatment options tailored to your needs. Don’t let dry eyes interfere with your daily life—let us help you find relief today!