What Causes Dry Eye and How to Remedy It

If your eyes are dry, it can create a real hassle. You probably carry eye drops with you wherever you go and apply them often throughout the day, but it still provides too little relief. Whether it’s a temporary or permanent condition, it can still cause problems.

Fortunately, many of the causes of dry eye are manageable. To learn more about what causes dry eye and how to remedy it, our team at Eye Q Optique can explain more.

Dry eye explained

Dry eye is a common condition, affecting approximately 20 million Americans. You may feel like your tears aren’t enough to keep your eyes feeling moist and comfortable. Additionally, you may have other symptoms, including the following:

• Burning, stinging, or scratchy sensations in your eyes

• Redness

• Feeling like you have something in your eyes

• Eye fatigue

• Blurry vision

• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

• Problems with driving at night

There are many possible causes of this condition, so you should make an appointment with one of our Eye Q Optique specialists.

Causes of dry eye

Dry eye is caused by many possible factors. Some of these include:

Aging

Anyone can develop dry eye at any age, but it’s definitely more common as you get older. People over age 50 are more likely to have this condition because our eyes produce fewer tears as we age.

Computer use

Many of us have to use computers as a primary function of our jobs. In addition, you may also use computers in your leisure time. When you stare at a computer screen, you don’t blink as often. You may also experience tension headaches and eyestrain.

Certain medications

Several common medications result in your eyes producing less mucus, which can lead to dry eye. Some of these medications include:

• Antidepressants

• Antihistamines

• Diuretics

• Beta blockers

If you take any of these medications, they could contribute to your eyes being drier.

Hormone changes

Many of the hormonal changes that women experience lead to dry eye. These include pregnancy, being on birth control pills, and menopause. Because hormones stimulate tear production, an imbalance in these hormones can cause dry eye. 

LASIK surgery

If you’ve had LASIK surgery, you may feel relieved about not needing to wear glasses as often anymore. But dry eye is a common side effect after this procedure. The dryness in your eyes is usually temporary and may resolve itself as your eyes heal, but sometimes the problem continues.

How to treat dry eye

Fortunately, having dry eye is a treatable condition. Here are some ways to treat it:

Avoid dry or windy environments

Deserts, airplanes, and other environments where it’s very dry or windy can aggravate the issue.

Use eye drops

Using non-prescription eye drops is often enough to help with the problem. However, there are also eye drops available by prescription to treat dry eyes. We can help determine if you might be a good candidate for them.

Don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke

Smoking and secondhand smoke are both common causes of dry eye. Smoke is an eye irritant, so it makes sense to avoid exposure to it.

Stay well-hydrated

Dehydration — even mild dehydration — can contribute to dry eye. Make sure you’re well-hydrated to minimize the problem.

Take breaks from computer screens

If you work on computers, you can’t avoid them altogether. But you should still take brief, frequent breaks to give your eyes a rest.

If you have problems with dry eye, you aren’t alone. Contact us today at Eye Q Optique by phone or online to request an appointment.