Dry Eye Syndrome is an increasing issue for people in the United States and is a common complaint that many eye doctors hear from their patients. Some have referred to environmental factors, such as pollution or even the aging process as the cause for this increasing issue. Patients who suffer from this condition have often tried many solutions to try and combat this problem but the frustration still exists for many.
About 20 million Americans are experiencing varying degrees of dry eye problems. This disorder is caused as a result of decreased tear production and a dryness in the tear film. The most common symptoms include pain from irritation, a sandy feeling, and lack of tolerance when wearing contact lenses. Dry Eye Syndrome is also described as either the lack of quantity or the lack of quality of the tear film in your eyes.
Why are your tears so important?
Your tears are very important to your vision! They have many functions. Not only do they protect your eyes but also they are the only way to deliver nutrients to the eye surface. Your tears also wash the eye clean and lubricate the eyelid. Contact lenses sit among the top of your tear film, not on your eyeball. Contact lenses are considered contributors for dry eye patients.
Does dry eye get better? Unfortunately, there is no known cure and many of the dry eye patients. Symptoms are sometimes related to age and it gets worse with age. Also how and where you live, work and play impacts the quality of your tears. For example, Air conditioning in the summer and dry heat in the winter help evaporate your tear. Stress, computer work, contact lenses and LASIK are factors why can have Dry Eye. Dust, smoke, skin debris also do not help. If you read below you will see that there are some treatment options available. Please consult your eye doctor directly for a better idea of what treatment option is right for you!
Causes For Dry Eye
Dry eye syndrome has many causes. One of the most common reasons for dryness is simply the normal aging process. As we grow older, our bodies produce less oil. This is more pronounced in women. The oil deficiency also affects the tear film. Without as much oil to seal the watery layer, the tear film evaporates much faster, leaving dry areas on the cornea. Various systemic diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Sjogren’s Syndrome can also cause dry eyes. Environmental conditions, some prescription and over the counter medications, and wearing contact lenses also contribute to dryness.
Some Causes for Dry Eye:
Pollution and environmental factors
Excessive contact lens wearing
Lack of drinking water
The natural aging process
Sjogren’s Syndrome
Rheumatoid arthritis
Cigarette Smoking
Windy Climates & High Altitudes