Common Causes for Dry Eyes and What To Do
- Posted on: Sep 15 2023
Dry eyes can happen for various reasons: inadequate tears, low-quality tears, blockage, injury, and more. Whatever the cause, the reality is that dry eyes can be cumbersome and annoying to deal with.
If left untreated, chronic dry eyes can increase susceptibility to eye infections, corneal abrasions, and even vision loss. Here are some common causes of dry eyes and what you can do to find relief.
Common Causes for Dry Eyes
Knowing what is causing your dry eyes can help in finding a solution. Dry eyes are typically caused by issues with the tear film–a three-layered covering on the eye’s surface made up of oil, mucus, and liquid solutions that hydrates and protects the eye. Damage to any of the three layers can result in dry eyes.
Insufficient Tear Production
Medically known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, insufficient tear production can happen due to various factors including but not limited to:
- Certain medications, such as birth control and antidepressants
- Illnesses
- Nerve damage
- Contact lens-caused disorders
- Vitamin A deficiency
An easy way to address insufficient tear production is to use over-the-counter artificial tears, though if they prove ineffective, surgery may be needed.
Increased Tear Evaporation
The oil layer of your tear film helps prevent the evaporation of tears, keeping the eye moist. When the glands that produce this oil become clogged or damaged, you may suffer from dry eyes despite having adequate tear production.
Air pollutants, allergies, certain disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, and vitamin A deficiency can cause issues with the oil glands in your eyes. In these situations, a warm compress can help encourage oil production.
In some situations, oil production can be impeded by eyelid problems in which the eyelid turns outward (ectropion) or inward (entropion). With these conditions, surgery is needed to correct the lids.
Find Dry Eye Relief in Everett, WA
Because of the many causes that can lead to dry eyes and the many ways to treat them, working with caring and capable doctors is a must.
Serving areas from Seattle to Bellingham, WA, the board-certified physicians at Physicians Eye Clinic have a combined 60 years of experience that culminates into an extraordinary experience for you. The capable team is dedicated to providing you with exceptional care.
Please request an appointment today or call 425- 259-2020 to address your dry eyes and find relief.
Posted in: Dry Eye
