Dry eye can be caused by several factors, some of which are in our control and some that are not. Being able to understand the potential underlying causes of dry eye is an important step towards developing the most effective treatment plan.
What causes dry eye?
Blepharitis is an eye condition that causes chronic inflammation of the eyelids, and this is reportedly the most common cause of dry eye. 85% of diagnosed cases are caused by Blepharitis and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
(Findlay Q, Reid K. Dry eye disease: when to treat and when to refer. Aust Prescr. 2018 Oct;41(5):160-163.)
Wearing contact lenses may dry out your eyes and could cause irritation.
Those using eye drops containing preservatives, such as for conditions like glaucoma, may experience dry eye symptoms.
Not drinking enough fluids or water can lead to dry eye.
Some medications such as antihistamines, beta-blockers, decongestants and antidepressants can sometimes cause dry eye.
A lack of vitamins which can be linked to poor eating habits may cause dry eye. Eating a well-balanced diet can help to improve your eye health.
Wearing a mask for any duration can cause irritation on your face which can include your eyes.
Other illnesses including but limited to rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Graves' disease, diabetes, and Sjogren's syndrome may cause dry eye.
Screen use can cause dryness because we tend to blink less frequently when looking at computers, phones, laptops, TVs and other devices. It’s important that you blink regularly to maintain comfortable healthy eyes and clear vision.
Laser eye surgery may cause temporary symptoms of dry eye but in some cases may cause prolonged dry eye.
Any hormonal changes such as during pregnancy and menopause, or when taking birth control may cause dry eye.
Consider your surroundings; pollutants can irritate the eye causing the surface of the eye to become inflamed and disrupting your tear film.
The production of tears slows down with age, which can in some cases lead to an increase in dry eye symptoms.
Air conditioners and heaters can drastically reduce the moisture levels in the surrounding air. Because your eyes need moisture from the air to stay properly hydrated and comfortable, this can cause dry eye symptoms to worsen.
If you suffer with allergies that affect your eyes this can trigger dry eye symptoms.
