Posted by Dry Eye Center of North Carolina

Dry eye is a common eye condition that affects many individuals, causing discomfort and impacting daily life. This article aims to provide an exploration of dry eye symptoms, the underlying causes, and the risk factors associated with the condition.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye is characterized by a range of symptoms that can vary in severity from mild to debilitating. Individuals experiencing dry eye often report persistent itching, burning, or stinging sensations in their eyes. These sensations can cause immense discomfort and may worsen during periods of prolonged screen time or exposure to dry and windy environments. Additionally, dry eye can lead to redness of the eyes, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and a feeling of having something foreign in the eye.

Underlying Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye can result from various underlying causes that disrupt the normal production and composition of tears. One common cause is tear gland dysfunction, where the lacrimal glands fail to produce enough tears or produce tears of poor quality. Another cause is meibomian gland dysfunction, which affects the glands responsible for secreting the oily component of tears. When these glands malfunction, tears evaporate more quickly, leading to dryness.

Environmental factors also play a significant role in the development of dry eye. Spending prolonged periods in environments with low humidity levels, such as air-conditioned rooms or arid climates, can contribute to dry eye symptoms. Similarly, exposure to excessive wind and dust particles can aggravate the condition.

Age-related changes further contribute to the prevalence of dry eye. As individuals age, tear production decreases, making the eyes more susceptible to dryness. Hormonal changes in women during menopause can also have an impact on tear production and quality, leading to an increased risk of dry eye.

Risk Factors Associated with Dry Eye

Certain lifestyle choices and medical conditions can heighten the risk of developing dry eye. Prolonged screen time spent on computers, tablets, or smartphones can cause a decrease in blink rate, leading to increased tear evaporation and dry eye symptoms. Contact lens wearers are also more susceptible to dry eye due to reduced tear exchange and potential irritation from the lenses themselves.

Furthermore, individuals with certain medical conditions may be at a higher risk of experiencing dry eye. Autoimmune diseases, such as Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus, can negatively impact tear production and lead to dry eyes. Other health conditions like diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, and certain allergies can also contribute to dry eye symptoms.

Recognizing the signs of dry eye, including itching, burning, and redness, is crucial for early detection and prompt treatment. Knowing the underlying causes, such as tear gland dysfunction, environmental factors, and age-related changes, can guide individuals in managing and preventing dry eye effectively.

Additionally, being aware of risk factors like prolonged screen time, contact lens use, and specific medical conditions empowers individuals to take proactive steps to maintain good ocular health and alleviate dry eye symptoms.