Dry eye

Dry eye is a condition that occurs when a person's eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to discomfort, blurred vision, and potentially serious eye problems if left untreated.

Causes

Dry eye can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Age: Dry eye is more common in older adults.
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop dry eye, especially during pregnancy, menopause, or as a result of using oral contraceptives.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders, can increase the risk of dry eye.
• Medications: Certain medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants, can reduce tear production.
• Environmental conditions: Windy, smoky, or dry environments can increase tear evaporation.

Symptoms

Symptoms of dry eye can vary from person to person, but may include:

• A stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in the eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Red eyes
• A sensation of having something in the eyes
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses
• Difficulty with nighttime driving
• Watery eyes, which is the body's response to the irritation of dry eyes
• Blurred vision or eye fatigue

Treatment

Treatment for dry eye typically involves one or more of the following approaches:

• Changing medications: If a medication is causing dry eye, the doctor may recommend a different medication that does not cause this side effect.
• Eye drops: Artificial tear drops and ointments can help alleviate the symptoms of dry eye.
• Closing the tear ducts: This can be done temporarily with a plug or permanently with a procedure to help keep tears from draining away from the eye too quickly.
• Treating the underlying condition: If dry eye is caused by a medical condition, treating that condition may help alleviate the dry eye symptoms.

Prevention

While it may not be possible to prevent dry eye in all cases, the following strategies may help reduce the risk:

• Avoiding dry conditions: Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air can help.
• Protecting the eyes: Wearing sunglasses or protective goggles can help reduce exposure to wind and sun that can cause tear evaporation.
• Taking breaks during computer use: Taking regular breaks to rest the eyes can help reduce eye strain and dryness.

Dry eye Resources
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