Dry eye is a condition where an individual does not have adequate quality tears to maintain eye moisture. Tears keep the eyes nourished and well-lubricated. They maintain cornea health and provide clear vision. The condition is relatively common and usually affects older individuals. Dry eye may be due to various causes, including health conditions. 

How Does Dry Eye Disease Occur?

Tears help provide lubrication to keep the eyes healthy. When you blink, you spread tears across the eye surface (cornea). The tears provide moisture, wash away debris in the eye, and reduce the risk of infections. 
 

They keep the eye surface clear and smooth. Excess tears drain into ducts in the inner eyelid corners. Dry eye can occur due to an imbalance in tear production and drainage. Failing to produce enough tears or producing poor-quality tears causes eye dryness. 

What Causes Dry Eye Condition 

Dry eye disease may be caused by several underlying conditions, including:
 

• Age. Older individuals are more likely to develop dry eyes as tear production reduces. 

• Gender. Dry eye is more likely to affect women than men due to hormonal changes.

• Medical conditions. Some health conditions heighten the risk of developing dry eye. They include diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid problems. 

• Medications. Certain medications, such as blood pressure medications, antihistamines, antidepressants, and decongestants, can affect tear production.

• Environmental conditions. Exposure to dry climates, wind, smoke, and other conditions can increase tear evaporation. 

• Digital device use. Prolonged use of digital devices can affect blinking, which can cause eye dryness.

• Contact lens use. Long-term use of contact lenses can increase the risk of developing dry eye conditions. 

Symptoms of Dry Eye Condition

People with dry eye disease may experience various symptoms. They vary in individuals, depending on the cause or underlying condition. They include a scratchy feeling, grittiness, eye irritation, stinging, and a burning sensation. Other symptoms are eye redness, excess watering, light sensitivity, blurry vision, and stringy eye discharge. 

Dry Eye and Health Conditions
 

Studies suggest that about 70% of individuals with systemic conditions experience dry eye. Sometimes, dry eye symptoms fail to respond to treatments such as artificial tears, eye drops, and other medications. It is usually an indication that the patient has an underlying disease. The diseases include:
 

• Diabetes. The condition affects about 11% of individuals in the country. More than 55% of those patients suffer from dry eyes. 

• Rheumatoid arthritis. With over 1.3 million people suffering from RA, research suggests that more than 70% of the patients have dry eyes.

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Studies show that 57% of people with SLE develop dry eyes. 

• Thyroid eye disease. Patients with the condition often develop dry eye syndrome.  

Individuals with dermatological conditions such as rosacea and psoriasis have a high risk of getting dry eyes. Patients with Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may develop dry eyes. 

Treating Dry Eye Syndrome

Treating the underlying condition helps relieve the symptoms of dry eye. If a comprehensive exam establishes that a health condition is causing the symptoms, the eye doctor will recommend medical treatment. Sometimes, the medications taken to treat the health condition may be causing dry eye symptoms. Changing the medication can provide relief. 
 

For more on the link between dry eye and other health conditions, visit Ishigo Optometry at our office in Gardena, California. Call (888) 564-0016 to book an appointment today.