Eyes dryness is also known as dry eye syndrome or keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Eye dryness is a common illness that occurs when your tears do not provide sufficient lubrication for your eyes. Tears can be short and unbalanced for many reasons. For example, dry eye may occur due to the production of poor-quality tears, insufficient tear production, or reduced blinking. These tears can cause redness of your eyes and damage the eye surface.
Dry eyes feel painful and uncomfortable. You may know about dry eyes in certain situations, such as Air travel, Air-conditioned or heated rooms, being in windy weather, or watching computers, phones, or TVs for a few hours.
Types of eye dryness:
- Aqueous Tear-Deficient Dry Eye
- Evaporative Dry Eye
- Mixed Dry Eye
1. Aqueous Tear-Deficient Dry Eye
- When the eyes can not produce enough tears, then it occurs.
- Common in aging and post-menopause.
- Leads to dryness, irritation, and risk of corneal damage.
2. Evaporative Dry Eye
- Tears evaporate too quickly.
- Often caused by meibomian gland dysfunction.
- Screen use reduces blinking, speeding up evaporation.
- Symptoms include a gritty feeling, redness, and burning.
Mixed Dry Eye
- Having low tear quantity and producing not enough tears for the eye.
- The most common form of eye dryness in patients is.
- It can be triggered by both lifestyle and medical factors.
- Symptoms are often more severe and long-lasting.
- Requires a combination of treatments for relief.
Symptoms of Dry Eyes
There are many symptoms of dry eye, like the following
- Dry, gritty, or burning sensation in the eyes
- Redness and irritation
- Feeling of grit or something stuck in the eye
- Watery or teary eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Mucus buildup can make the eyes feel “glued shut” after sleeping.
Causes of Dry Eyes
1. Aging
- At the age of 50, natural declines in tear production
- Tear film quality decreases with age.
2. Medical Conditions
- Antihistamines, antidepressants, and decongestants.
- Blood pressure drugs (beta-blockers, diuretics).
- Hormonal therapies (birth control pills).
3. Environmental Factors
- Exposure to wind, dust, or smoke.
- Dry climates and high altitudes.
- Air conditioning, fans, or heaters.
4. Screen Time & Reduced Blinking
- Long hours on the computer or mobile screens.
- Concentration reduces blinking frequency.
- Tears evaporate faster due to less lubrication.
5. Hormonal Changes
- Pregnancy-related hormonal shifts.
- Menopause reduces estrogen, affecting the tear glands.
- Hormonal contraceptives may alter tear production
6. Eye Surgery & Contact Lenses
- LASIK and PRK surgeries may damage corneal nerves.
- Long-term contact lens wear irritates.
- Reduced tear distribution across the eye.
7. Vitamin Deficiency
- Tear gland function decreases without proper nutrition.
- Vitamin A deficiency
- Can lead to severe eye dryness and night blindness.
Medication That May Cause Dry Eyes
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Antidepressants
- Blood pressure medications
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Oral contraceptives
- Isotretinoin (Accutane)
- Antipsychotics
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Parkinson’s disease medications And other causes that cause eye dryness.
Risk Factor
There are many factors of eye dryness. Some common factors are as follows
1. Age
With increasing age, especially at 50 years, eye dryness is common. This age-related decline in tear production, which causes eye dryness.
2. Gender
Both males and females have a risk, but women have a higher risk due to hormonal changes. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or due to oral contraceptives contribute to reduced tear production.
3. Medical Conditions
Autoimmune diseases (like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) have a higher risk. Thyroid diabetes can also increase the risk of eye dryness. These conditions reduce tear quality and quantity and leading to eye dryness.
4. Medications
Blood pressure drugs, Antihistamines, and decongestants may reduce tear flow.
5. Vitamin Shortage
Eating a diet which have low vitamins A or Omega-3 fatty acids.
6. Smoking & Alcohol
Smoking can be a cause of eye dryness, damage the tear glands, and irritate the eye surface. Alcohol dehydrates the body, which also reduces tear production. Both are causes of eye dryness and irritation.
7. Screen Time
More use of mobile, TV, and computer for a few hours.
8. Environmental Conditions
Environmental conditions are risky for the eyes due to Wind(blows away moisture), smoke(irritates eyes), dry climate or low humidity, and air conditioning or heating systems, etc. People living in such conditions experience frequent eye irritation and dryness
Prevention of Eye Dryness
- Stay hydrated
- Blink oftenFollow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds)Use a humidifier
- Protect your eyes outdoors
- Maintain eyelid hygiene
- Eat a healthy diet
- Get enough sleep
- Avoid smoking and smoky areas
EDO Eye Hospital helps to treat dry eyes- and Treatment of Dry eyes:
If you are struggling with eye dryness (like burning, gritty, or watery eyes), don’t ignore it. Visit EDO Eye Hospital, Wah Cantt. EDO Eye Hospital in Wah Cantt provides affordable and professional care that you need. Their specialists use advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans to relieve dry eye symptoms, restore comfort, and protect long- term vision so you can see the world comfortably again.
Conclusion:
Dry eye syndrome is a common but treatable condition that can affect daily comfort and vision. From aging and medical conditions to screen time and environmental factors, many causes of eye dryness. By making small lifestyle changes, eating a healthy diet, and protecting your eyes, you can reduce the risk of dryness. If symptoms persist, visiting a trusted eye hospital like EDO Eye Hospital, Wha Cantt can help restore comfort and protect your vision.