Dry eye occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, leaving them feeling irritated and uncomfortable.
Try these tips to get temporary relief from dry eyes; however, it's important to consult with an optometrist or eye care professional if you're experiencing persistent dry eye symptoms to receive proper diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms may include:
• 𝗗𝗿𝘆𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: Feeling like there's a lack of moisture in your eyes.
• 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁: Experiencing irritation, burning, or stinging sensations.
• 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: Eyes may appear red or bloodshot.
• 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗲𝘆𝗲𝘀: Paradoxically, dry eyes can sometimes lead to excessive tearing as a reflexive response.
• 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: Vision may be temporarily impaired due to dryness affecting the tear film.
Factors that can contribute to dry eyes:
• 𝗔𝗴𝗲: As people age, tear production typically decreases, making older adults more susceptible to dry eyes.
• 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿: Hormonal changes in women due to pregnancy, menopause, or the use of oral contraceptives can affect tear production and make women more prone to dry eyes.
• 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝗻𝘀: Contact lenses can contribute to dry eyes by reducing the amount of oxygen that reaches the cornea and interfering with the natural tear film.
• 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, and lupus can affect tear production and increase the likelihood of experiencing dry eyes.
• 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Some medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and hormone replacement therapy, can decrease tear production or affect the quality of tears, leading to dry eyes.
• 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: Individuals who spend a lot of time in environments with low humidity, such as air-conditioned or heated rooms, or exposed to wind or smoke, may be more prone to dry eyes.
• 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗨𝘀𝗲: Extended screen time can lead to reduced blink rates and increased tear evaporation, contributing to dry eye symptoms.
