Dry eyes are a common issue, especially for office workers and those frequently using electronic devices. Sufferers often experience stinging, burning, or a gritty sensation, making activities like reading, screen use, or driving uncomfortable. This article explores some common causes of this condition.

Insufficient tear production

Tears, produced by glands above the eyes, flow through tear ducts and into the nose, cleaning away debris and keeping the eye surface moist. Normally, eyes constantly produce tears for lubrication. When tear glands function poorly, tear volume decreases, increasing the risk of dry eyes. Causes of insufficient tear production include exposure to dust, wind, air conditioning, cigarette smoke, age, infrequent blinking, certain medications, and contact lens wear.

Rapid tear evaporation

Even with adequate tear production, eyes can become dry if the tear film is unstable. This thin film covers the corneal surface with each blink, helping to moisturize and protect the eyes.

The tear film comprises three layers working together to maintain eye surface moisture. The outermost oil (lipid) layer reduces tear evaporation, while the middle water (aqueous) layer provides primary hydration. The innermost mucus (mucin) layer helps tears spread evenly and adhere to the eye surface.

When one of these three layers is compromised, the tear film's stability breaks down, leading to dry eyes. This can result from allergies, excessive eye rubbing, hormonal changes, or inflammation of the eyelids and tear glands.

Related medical conditions

Dry eyes can be a symptom of several conditions:

Diabetes: Affects tear glands and the oil layer of tears, leading to reduced tear production and eye inflammation.

Eye allergies: The immune system overreacts to dust, pollution, and other irritants, causing itching and watery eyes.

Sjögren’s syndrome: An autoimmune disease that attacks the tear-producing glands.

Thyroid eye disease: Causes inflammation, bulging eyes, and dry eyes.

Lifestyle habits

Certain habits can contribute to dry eyes, such as prolonged screen time, reading in low light, and infrequent blinking. Wearing contact lenses also increases risk as it can disrupt the tear film.

Surgery

Some eye surgeries can reduce tear production, causing temporary or prolonged dry eyes.

Environmental factors

Exposure to smoke, chemicals, pollution, wind, dust, or dry air can accelerate tear evaporation. Wearing sunglasses and limiting exposure to these elements can help protect the eyes.

Other risk factors

Age: Individuals over 50 are more prone to dry eyes due to decreased tear production.

Gender: Women are more susceptible to dry eyes, especially during pregnancy or menopause, due to hormonal changes.

Medications: Many drugs can cause dry eyes, including allergy medications, anti-anxiety and antidepressant drugs, cardiovascular and blood pressure medications, cold remedies, diuretics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and even sleeping pills.

Bao Bao (According to Health)