Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye
Persistent dryness, scratchiness, itchiness and burning sensation on your eyes are common symptoms of dry eye syndrome. These symptoms alone may be enough for your eye doctor to diagnose dry eye syndrome. They will evaluate your eyelid margins and use special dyes to view dryness on the front surface of your eye.
Some people with dry eyes also experience a "foreign body sensation” – the feeling that something is in the eye. And it may seem odd, but sometimes dry eye syndrome can cause watery eyes, because the excessive dryness works to overstimulate production of the watery component of your eye's tears.
Hot, dry and/or windy climates, high altitudes, excessive sun exposure, central heating, air conditioning, hair dryers, cigarette smoke, air pollution, air travel.
Allergy medications, esp. antihistamines, Antidepressants,(e.g. amitriptyline, diazepam), Some blood pressure medications, parkinson's medications, birth control pills, diuretics, beta blockers, sleeping pills, many pain medications, certain medications which regulate heart rhythm irregularities, decongestants
Two million individuals abandon soft contact lens wear altogether each year with nearly 50% of these contact lens "dropouts" attributing dryness or discomfort as the primary reason.
Parkinson's disease, Sjögren's syndrome (an auto-immune disease), Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, Lacrimal gland deficiency, Diabetes, Sarcoidosis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Rosacea: Facial rosacea is commonly associated with ocular rosacea, which causes conditions such as blepharitis.
Dry eye is the most common complaint or adverse event following LASIK.
Thyroid conditions, Hormonal changes during menopause, Decreased production of androgen, Estrogen supplementation -(there are reports both of this improving dry eye conditions and worsening them).
Blinking is critical in spreading tears over the surface of the eye and stimulating tear production. A chronic low blink rate is associated with dry eye symptoms. Computer use, reading, and watching TV are the three activities most commonly associated with a low blink rate.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
In dry eye syndrome, either the tear glands that moisturize the eye don't produce enough tears, or the tears have a chemical composition that causes them to evaporate too quickly.
Dry eye syndrome has several causes. It occurs:
- As a part of the natural aging process, especially among women over age 40.
- As a side effect of many medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, certain blood pressure medicines, Parkinson's medications and birth control pills.
- Because you live in a dry, dusty or windy climate with low humidity.
If your home or office has air conditioning or a dry heating system, that too can dry out your eyes. Another cause is insufficient blinking, such as when you're staring at your computer or digital devices.
Dry eyes are also associated with certain systemic diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, rosacea or Sjogren's Syndrome (a triad of dry eyes, dry mouth, and rheumatoid arthritis or lupus).
Long-term contact lens wear, incomplete closure of the eyelids, eyelid disease and a deficiency of the tear-producing glands are other causes.
Dry eye syndrome is more common in women, possibly due to hormone fluctuations. Recent research suggests that smoking, too, can increase your risk of dry eye syndrome. Dry eye has also been associated with incomplete lid closure following blepharoplasty – a popular cosmetic surgery to eliminate droopy eyelids.
Have you been wearing contact lenses comfortably for years, but now your eyes feel dry, scratchy and irritated?
“Burning Eyes” is often associated with either dry eye syndrome, an allergic reaction, blepharitis, or even pink eye.
You can develop dry eyes based on a variety of factors. Nutrition is one of those factors. Choose foods & supplements that will ensure less dryness.