“What is the cause of dry eyes?”
I am 32 years old and I am suffering from sudden dryness of eyes. It causes a lot of itching in my eyes. I am constantly putting my eye drops recommended by my doctor, but the day I miss them my eyes again become dry. What is the reason behind this dryness of eyes?
10 Answers
Dry eye can have multiple causes. Treatment will depend on the diagnosis. A complete ophthalmologic exam should be performed.
Dry eye can be multifactorial. It can be because test gland have shut down. The treatment would be tears, plugging the test drainage system, or prescription drops like restasis or xiidra. If could also be from oilgland dysfunction and that would be evaporative dryness. The treatment for this can be warm compress and scrubbing lids and lashes with different solutions, for example, ocusoft or baby shampoo.
Dennis Breene
Ophthalmologist
Without a slit lamp examination of your eyes, it is nearly impossible to determine the source or your symptoms. Itching is not a typical symptom associated with dry eye syndrome and makes me consider other sources such as allergy. If you have not seen an ophthalmologist, I suggest you see one. If you have seen an ophthalmologist and are still not getting relief, I suggest you return for a follow-up evaluation or consider seeing a cornea and external disease specialist.
Dennis P Breene MD
Dennis P Breene MD
There are many things that cause dry eyes, as there are three components to the tear film, and multiple disorders that can cause problems with any of those three components. Common causes: blepharitis, allergic conjunctivitis, medication side effects, inadequate hydration, reading at a computer for long hours, estrogen levels decreased, and contact lens use. Other causes can include inherited, progressive corneal eye disease, cool and/or windy environment, vitamin A deficiency, and others.
Dry Eye Syndrome is a multifactorial condition. Given your age, it is most likely evaporative loss. For example, staring at a computer causes a subset of Dry Eye called CVS. It is best to use a non-preserved artificial tear at least four times a day and a lubricating ointment at night. If not better, consult an eye care professional where they can do a Dry Eye Workup. One should look at medical history and any medications you could be taking.
Cheers
Cheers
External factors like wind, dust, pollutants and chemicals. Internal factors like hormonal issues, less frequent blinking, inflammation, dehydration, dietary imbalance, lack of omega fatty acids in your diet are some reasons. Overuse of eyes on computers and mobile devices.
There are many factors involved. Gender, age, hormonal status, medications and health factors, and environmental issues are some. Itching is actually more common in allergic ocular conditions. Your doctor can assess your risk factors and examine you for any conditions that are active. RX can be directed to any direct or underlying causes. It is a sometimes chronic problem requiring ongoing care.
Doc W
Doc W
Marshall S. Redding
Ophthalmologist
Thank you for your very good question. If we think of it in the simplest form, it is a matter of our body's loss of balance. It can happen in any part of our body, but in the eye it can be simple or very serious. The imbalance is usually in one of the three main ingredients that make up the normal tear film. Water, mucin and oil are essential for the eye to see clearly and remain healthy.
The causes of dry eyes are numerous and sometimes, not so obvious. A list follows which is incomplete, but are the most common:
1. Inflammation - From any source
2. Medications - Antihistamines, Decongestants, Blood pressure, Depression
3. Age - Over 50. postmenopausal, eye surgery
4. Medical conditions - Diabetes, arthritis, Thyroid disorders, Lupus, Skin disorders, Eye infections, etc.
5. Psychological conditions
6. Mechanical - Tear duct obstruction, surgery, Excessive rubbing or pulling, Trauma, Radiation
IF THERE IS EVER DOUBT IN YOUR MIND ABOUT THIS ISSUE, SEE YOUR OPHTHALMOLOGIST!!
The causes of dry eyes are numerous and sometimes, not so obvious. A list follows which is incomplete, but are the most common:
1. Inflammation - From any source
2. Medications - Antihistamines, Decongestants, Blood pressure, Depression
3. Age - Over 50. postmenopausal, eye surgery
4. Medical conditions - Diabetes, arthritis, Thyroid disorders, Lupus, Skin disorders, Eye infections, etc.
5. Psychological conditions
6. Mechanical - Tear duct obstruction, surgery, Excessive rubbing or pulling, Trauma, Radiation
IF THERE IS EVER DOUBT IN YOUR MIND ABOUT THIS ISSUE, SEE YOUR OPHTHALMOLOGIST!!
Consult with an ophthalmologist specializing in ocular surface (dry eye) disease. It is a multi-factorial problem.
There are several types of dry eye which are treated in different ways. If one method is not effective, other options can be treated. Inflammation lies at the heart of dry eye disease, many treatments of dry eye disease target the inflammatory pathway.
