Dry eye occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. Beyond gritty or stinging sensations, affected individuals may experience red eyes, light sensitivity, blurred vision, or watery eyes. If these symptoms persist despite limiting screen time and using artificial tears, they could indicate an underlying medical condition.

Sjögren's syndrome

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's moisture-producing glands, including the tear and salivary glands.

Patients often experience chronic dry eye, feeling as if there is sand in their eyes, along with dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, or recurrent dental cavities. According to experts, dry eye can be one of the early symptoms, sometimes appearing even before Sjögren's syndrome is diagnosed.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis not only affects joints but can also cause inflammation in many other organs, including the eyes. Chronic inflammation reduces the quality of the tear film, leading to dry, red, and irritated eyes. Some individuals are also at risk of scleritis or corneal damage if not treated appropriately.

Diabetes

Prolonged high blood sugar can damage the nerves that control tear gland function, reducing tear production.

Beyond dry eye, individuals with diabetes may experience other symptoms such as blurred vision, discomfort when wearing contact lenses, or a burning sensation in their eyes. This condition can impact quality of life and increase the risk of complications on the ocular surface.

Thyroid disease

Certain thyroid disorders, especially Graves' disease, can affect the eyes. When the eyeballs protrude or the eyelids do not close completely, tears evaporate faster than normal, leading to chronic dry eye. The condition may also include symptoms such as gritty eyes, red eyes, double vision, or a feeling of pressure around the eye sockets.

Vitamin A deficiency

Vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the cornea and the ocular surface. Prolonged vitamin A deficiency can reduce tear secretion, causing dry eye, night blindness, and an increased risk of corneal damage. This condition is common in malnourished individuals, those with gastrointestinal diseases causing malabsorption, or people with diets lacking green vegetables, fruits, and vitamin A-rich foods.

Individuals should not ignore chronic or recurrent dry eye, especially when accompanied by other unusual symptoms such as dry mouth, joint pain, or vision loss. Prompt eye examination helps identify the correct cause and avoid overlooking systemic diseases that could impact long-term health.

Bao Bao (Compiled)