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This is because dryness on the eye's surface can sometimes lead to overproduction of the watery part of your tears as a protective mechanism. Symptoms of dry eyes and dry eye syndrome include:įeeling like something is in your eye (foreign body sensation)Īnd as odd as it may sound, watery eyes also can be a symptom of dry eye syndrome. Wearing glasses with a mask can direct the air over the eyes even more.Īllergies – Allergies can cause dry eyes, and as noted above, taking antihistamines to relieve allergies can also cause dry eyes. Wearing a mask – Many masks, such as those worn to protect against the spread of COVID-19, can dry the eyes by forcing air out the top of the mask and over the surface of the eye. If you have dry eyes prior to LASIK, your eye doctor may recommend dry eye treatment before your procedure to ensure your best LASIK results. In most cases, however, dry eye discomfort after LASIK is temporary and resolves within a few weeks of the procedure. LASIK – LASIK and other corneal refractive surgery can sometimes cause dry eyes. Lagophthalmos has many causes, including natural aging, eye infections and nerve damage from trauma or cosmetic blepharoplasty. Severe dryness can lead to a corneal ulcer if left untreated. Medications – Many prescription and nonprescription medicines increase the risk of dry eye symptoms, including antihistamines, antidepressants, certain blood pressure medications such as beta-blockers or diuretics and birth control pills.Įyelid problems – Incomplete closure of the eyelids when blinking or sleeping (called lagophthalmos) can cause severe dry eyes.
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Health conditions – Certain diseases such as diabetes, thyroid-associated conditions, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome can contribute to dry eye problems. Smoking – In addition to dry eyes, smoking has been linked to serious eye problems, including macular degeneration, cataracts and uveitis. Outdoor environment – Dry climates, high altitudes and dry or windy conditions increase dry eye risks.Īir travel – The air in the cabins of airplanes is extremely dry and can lead to dry eye problems, especially among frequent flyers. This can hasten tear evaporation, causing dry eye symptoms. Indoor environment – Air conditioning, ceiling fans and forced air heating systems all can decrease indoor humidity. Menopause – Post-menopausal women are at greater risk of dry eyes than men of the same age. But dry eyes are a primary reason why people stop wearing contacts.Īging – Dry eye syndrome can occur at any age, but it becomes more common as you age, especially after age 50. This leads to greater tear evaporation and increased risk of dry eye symptoms.Ĭontact lenses – It can be difficult to determine how much worse contact lenses can make dry eye problems.
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There are many potential causes of dry eyes:Ĭomputer use – When working at a computer or using a smartphone or other portable digital device, we tend to blink our eyes less fully and less frequently.
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Used to describe dry eye that affects both the cornea and the conjunctiva.ĭysfunctional tear syndrome. Used to emphasize that poor quality of tears can be just as important as low quantity. Keratitis sicca. Generally used to describe dryness and inflammation of the cornea. In addition to being called dry eye syndrome, dry eye disease or simply "dry eye," alternative medical terms used to describe dry eyes include:
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It may even lead to scarring of the front surface of the eye. The results of dry eyes range from subtle but constant eye irritation to significant inflammation.
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Mucin helps anchor and spread the tears across the surface of the eye.ĭry eyes can become red and irritated, causing a feeling of scratchiness. For example, tear lipids help keep the tear film from evaporating too quickly and increase lubrication. Tears bathe the eye's surface to keep it moist and wash away dust, debris and microorganisms that could damage the cornea and lead to an eye infection.Ī normal tear film consists of three important components:Īn oily (lipid) component produced by meibomian glands in the eyelidsĪ watery (aqueous) component produced by lacrimal glands located behind the outer aspect of the upper eyelids.Ī mucous-like (mucin) component produced by goblet cells in the conjunctiva that covers the white of the eye (sclera).Įach component of the tear film serves a critical purpose. An adequate and consistent layer of tears on the surface of the eye is essential to keep your eyes healthy, comfortable, and seeing well. Dry eyes are a chronic lack of lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye.
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