What Causes Dry Eye?
What Causes Dry Eye?
A variety of factors can combine to contribute to Dry Eye. Most symptoms are related to lifestyle, environment, surgery or certain medications, but also age related factors, like menopause.
If you have any of the conditions below and also have Dry Eye symptoms, talk with your doctor.
Gender & Ethnicity
In general, women are more at risk for dry eye due to hormonal changes that occur from pregnancy and menopause. Ethnicity also plays a role in whether or not you have dry eye. Evidence shows that Asian, Hispanic and Pacific Island populations are more prone to developing dry eye.1,2
Aging
As we age our tear production naturally reduces. In order to maintain good eye health, the American Optometric Association recommends people over the age of 60 schedule regular eye exams.6
Hormonal Changes
Women who use birth control or are going through menopause are at a greater risk of experiencing Dry Eye as both can cause a hormonal imbalance that reduces production.6
Environment
Low humidity, drier winter months, and windy conditions can all cause Dry Eye. High pollution levels can also increase the risk of symptoms as pollutants, such as ozone, affect the tear glands which naturally moisten the eyes.5,6
Extended Screen Time
As well as the weather, spending more time on computers, mobile phones and tablets is an environmental factor that can cause Dry Eye.5,6
Contact Lens Wear
Contact lens wear is a risk factor for developing dry eye. It is important to clean and take care of your contact lenses. If you experience dry eye symptoms while wearing contact lenses, talk to your doctor or eyecare professional.5
Certain Types of Medications
Antihistamines, decongestants, hormone replacement therapy, antidepressants and certain medications for high blood pressure and acne are risk factors for dry eye symptoms.3,5
Laser Eye Surgery
Post surgery, as nerves in your eye heal and lubrication levels adjust you may experience dryness. Your eye care professional will normally prescribe eye drops to aid your recovery.6
Other Causes
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
Meibomian gland dysfunction is a common eye condition you have probably never heard of. Simply put, it is a blockage of the glands lining your eyelids that help make the oil layer of your tears.4,7
Computer Vision Syndrome
Too much screen time can lead to eye and vision related problems like blurry vision, headaches and even neck pain. This condition is known as computer vision syndrome (or digital eye strain). When you stare at a screen you blink less, so you're not getting enough lubrication across your eyes. Contact lens wearers can experience computer vision syndrome too.8,9
Sjögren's Syndrome
Sjögren's (“SHOW-grins”) Syndrome is a common autoimmune disease which occurs when the body’s white blood cells mistakenly attack moisture producing glands. This can cause inflammation and a significant reduction in the quantity and quality of the moisture these glands produce. Talk to your doctor if you think you have Sjögren's Syndrome and are experiencing dry eye, dry mouth, joint pain or fatigue.10
Not Sure You have Dry Eye?
Take this dry eye challenge to find out.
Trial offer for Systane Complete after completing the challenge.
*This challenge is not to be used for diagnostic purposes.
References:
1. Kim JS, Wang MTM, Craig JP. Exploring the Asian ethnic predisposition to dry eye disease in a pediatric population. Ocul Surf. 2019 Jan;17(1):70-77. doi: 10.1016/j.jtos.2018.09.003. Epub 2018 Sep 13. PMID: 30219270.
2. Wang MTM, Craig JP. Natural history of dry eye disease: Perspectives from inter-ethnic comparison studies. Ocul Surf. 2019 Jul;17(3):424-433. doi: 10.1016/j.jtos.2019.03.004. Epub 2019 Apr 6. PMID: 30965124.
3. https://eyelovethesun.com/blogs/dry-eyes/vitamins-for-dry-eyes ,last access March 2022
4. https://www.clspectrum.com/issues/2015/march-2015/meibomian-gland-dysfunction-and-contact-lens-wear, last access May 2022
5. MayoClinic - Dry Eyes. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-eyes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371863
6. Better Health Channel - Dry eye. Available at: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dry-eye#symptoms-of-dry-eye
7. Vision Center - Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). Available at: https://www.visioncenter.org/conditions/mgd/
8. American Optometric Association - Computer vision syndrome. Available at: https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/computer-vision-syndrome?sso=y
9. Tauste A et al. Effect of contact lens use on Computer Vision Syndrome. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2016;36(2): 112-119
10. Better Health Chanelle - Sjogren's Syndrome. Available at: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/sjogrens-syndrome
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