Common Causes of Dry Eyes and How to Treat Them

Dry eye disease (DED) is a common condition that cannot be ignored. Research showed that nearly 7% of the U.S. adult population, or about 16.4 million people, have DED. Worldwide, dry eye prevalence falls in the 5%-50% range.

What Is DED?

Dry eyes can happen in two ways. First, the tears your eyes make aren’t enough, and second, the tears created don’t stay long enough to moisten your eyes. You can have either of these conditions or both DED types.

Given these two DED variants, medical practitioners can also refer to dry eyes as dysfunctional tear syndrome. Evaporative tear deficiency or aqueous tear deficiency are also among the terms they use for DED.

Symptoms of DED

The parched eye feeling of those who have DED isn’t the only manifestation of this condition. It may also manifest in any of these symptoms:
 

• Burning or stinging sensation in the eye.
   

• Redness and pain in the eye.
   

• A gritty or sandy feeling like something is in the eye.
   

• Periods of excessive tears after a very dry eye period.
   

• A stringy eye discharge.
   

• Periods of blurred vision.
   

• Decreased tolerance to any activity that needs sustained visual attention, like reading.
   

• Heavy eyelids.
   

• Eye fatigue.
   

• Discomfort in wearing contact lenses.
   

• Inability to cry if stressed emotionally.

Causes of Dry Eyes

DED can be chronic or temporary; whichever condition may depend on what causes it. The common causes of dry eyes include:
 

• A side effect of certain medications, such as blood pressure medicines, antihistamines, tranquilizers, Parkinson’s medications, nasal decongestants, anti-depressants, and homeopathic remedies.
   

• Medical conditions, including autoimmune diseases, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and vitamin A deficiency.
   

• Aging lessens tear production; a study showed DED occurs at a 13.3% rate in people 48-91 years old.
   

• Contraceptive use and menopause among women.
   

• Eye operations like LASKI surgery.
   

• Eye allergies.
   

• Exposure to wind, smoke, dry air, and other environmental factors like air-conditioning or heating.
   

• Improper contact lens use.
   

• Prolonged eye activity, such as when you’re on a long drive or working long hours with a computer.
   

• Eyelid issues like infection.
   

• Topical eye drop preservatives.

DED Complications if Untreated

You may suffer from the following complications if you have dry eyes and this condition isn’t not treated properly.
 

• Eye infections: Your eyes can be easily infected if their tears are not adequate to protect them from bacteria-laden dirt and dust.
   

• Eye surface damage: Untreated severe dry eyes may result in eye inflammation, as tears keep the eyes wet and smooth.
   

• Corneal damage: Untreated inflamed eyes can lead to corneal ulcers, abrasion of the corneal surface, and vision loss.
   

• Life quality may diminish: Tears help focus light in the eyes for clear vision. With dry eyes, it can become difficult to perform or enjoy daily activities like reading.

How to Treat DED

The medical approaches to treat dry eyes will depend on the diagnosis of what causes the condition in a patient. But generally, the anti-inflammatory medication cyclosporine will be prescribed for DED. This is the only available prescription drug to treat dry eye. With cyclosporine intake, corneal damage decreases, basic tear production increases, and dry eye symptoms abate. Short-term application of corticosteroid eye drops may also be required to reduce corneal inflammation.

Paradise Canyon Eye Care can tell you more about dry eye treatment. Call (435) 291-5093 to set an appointment for a consultation in our clinic in St. George, Utah.

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