What Causes Dry Eyes?

Dry eyes are a common condition that affects people of all ages. It can be uncomfortable to experience, but in most cases, it is not a cause for a serious concern, if treated early. Dry eye syndrome is typically caused by irregularity in the production or quality of tears, which can have various underlying causes. In this article, we will explore the causes of dry eyes, any risk factors associated with the condition, treatment options and methods for prevention.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eyes are a common condition relating to tear production or quality. This can result in symptoms like:

• Gritty, itchy or burning sensations
• Sticky eyes
• Light sensitivity
• Redness
• Blurry vision
• Eye fatigue
• Discomfort when wearing contact lenses

Our tears perform a vital function in protecting our eyes from grit, bacteria and friction from blinking. When we don’t produce enough tears or the tears we produce evaporate too quickly, we can develop dry eye symptoms. Dry eyes range from mild to severe and should always be assessed by an ophthalmologist to ensure that any underlying issues are resolved to reduce the risk of complications.

What Causes Dry Eyes?

Dry eyes can have many causes, and it may not always be immediately apparent what is causing your dry eye disease. Dry eyes occur when problems arise with any one of the three layers of the tear film:

• Oils
• Water
• Mucus

Issues with these layers can result in decreased tear production or increased tear evaporation. When tear production decreases, there is not enough of the water-based layer of the tear film. This can be caused by the natural ageing process, some medications or corneal nerve de-sensitivity, associated with contact lens use or laser eye surgery. When meibomian glands, responsible for tear production, become clogged, it creates a disbalance in the tear film and increases tear evaporation. Clogged meibomian glands (MGD) are the main cause for posterior blepharitis.

Dry Eyes And Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a condition that affects the eyelids due to dysfunction in the meibomian glands. It is the most common cause of dry eyes, and symptoms are often at their worst when first waking up in the morning. When the meibomian glands become blocked, there is not enough oil released into the tear film and tears evaporate too quickly. Symptoms of blepharitis can include:

• Discomfort and pain
• Swollen eyelids
• Flaky, scaly or crusty eyelids
• Watery eyes
• Blurred vision
• Frequent blinking
• Eyelash loss
• Eye fatigue

Dry Eyes Risk Factors

There are various risk factors that can increase your chances of experiencing dry eyes. These include:

• Age/Sex: As we get older, tear production decreases, leading to dry eyes. As a result, dry eyes are more common in people aged over 50. In addition, dry eyes can be caused by hormonal changes that occur in women experiencing menopause or going through pregnancy
• Vitamin A deficiency: Vitamin A is essential for keeping your eyes healthy and various studies have shown that a diet lacking vitamin A leads to dry eyes.
• Contact lens use: Contact lenses can dry out the eyes when used for an extended period of time, as they deprive the eye from the oxygen and are not able to provide the right lubrication This is why periods of rest are recommended for contact lens users.
• Health conditions: Lupus, diabetes, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, IBS and thyroid problems have all been linked to dry eyes.

Dry Eye Complications

While dry eyes are not usually a cause for serious concern, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications. This is why it is so critical that you seek effective treatment for dry eyes from an experienced specialist. Some of the most serious complications of dry eyes include:

• Infection: Tears perform a crucial function in flushing out germs and protecting the surface of the eye from infection. If tears aren’t doing their jobs well enough, this can lead to corneal infection.
• Quality of life: Dry eyes can be unpleasant to live with and can impact your ability to drive, particularly at night. It can also make using computer screens or reading more difficult.
• Corneal damage: Tears are crucial for lubricating the cornea, allowing the eyelids to pass over the surface without friction. If your tears aren’t lubricating your eyes properly, this can cause scratches or damage to the surface of the eye.

Can Dry Eyes Cause Blindness?

If your dry eyes are mild, they are unlikely to lead to blindness, but if the condition is more severe, there is a risk of blindness. Because dry eyes are caused by a lack of or poor-quality tears, the condition can leave your eyes vulnerable to damage or infection. If damage occurs to the cornea, it can result in blurred or cloudy vision and, in extreme cases, blindness. Early treatment is vital to protect your eyes from damage that could result in visual impairment..

For more information, please read our article ‘Can dry eyes cause blindness?’.

How To Prevent Dry Eyes

There are some lifestyle and situational changes you can make that can prevent you from developing dry eyes. It may help to keep a diary of when and where you experience dry eyes and what you were doing at the time. This can help you identify what could be causing dry eyes and eliminate things that cause the issue. Lifestyle changes you can make and tips to relieve dry eye symptoms include:

• Cutting back on screen time
• Taking regular breaks when reading or using screens/ 20-20.20 rule
• Using a humidifier
• Using artificial tears
• Taking regular breaks from contact lens use
• Changing your medication
• Changing the environment
• Using UV protection all year around

There are some things that people with dry eyes should always avoid, as they can worsen or trigger the condition. These include:

• Fans positioned towards your eyes, which can dehydrate them
• Smoking
• Drinking Alcohol/Coffee
• Leaving your eyes unprotected in a windy environment

Doing the above things can help prevent dry eyes or stop the condition from worsening. There are also some home remedies for dry eyes that can help reduce eye discomfort, such as heated eye masks and eye lid massages.

Dry Eyes Treatment

There are numerous dry eye treatment options available to people experiencing dry eye symptoms. Many people begin by using over-the-counter medications such as artificial tears. You can also use lifestyle changes to help you manage or prevent dry eyes from occurring. In more serious cases, medication and light therapy treatment may be needed to prevent the issue from becoming more serious.

More advanced treatment, such as the revolutionary Lumenis Optima M22 IPL, utilises light therapy to treat dry eyes commonly caused by meibomian gland dysfunction. The IPL can restore the tear film layer, reduce abnormal blood vessels, prevent infection and diminish inflammation.

The health of your eyes is crucial to maintain a healthy and happy quality of life. If you have concerns about your dry eyes, it is critical that you get advice and help from an expert. Here at Eye Clinic London, we have a wealth of experience in eye health and treating dry eyes. Get in touch with our experienced ophthalmologist Samer Hamada for a consultation and begin your journey to healthy, pain-free eyes.

You can also take our Dry Eye Quiz to help you find out if you have a dry eye disease and what you can do to avoid eye damage.