What Are the Primary Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition affecting many people worldwide. It occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears for lubrication or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This syndrome can make your daily activities like reading, driving, or working on a computer more challenging.
 

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Understanding dry eye syndrome begins with knowing its two types: evaporative and aqueous deficient. Evaporative dry eye syndrome happens when your tears evaporate too quickly due to an imbalance in their composition. On the other hand, you have aqueous deficient dry eye syndrome when your lacrimal glands do not produce enough water component for your tears.
 

The tear film that covers your eye comprises three layers: an outer layer of oil, a middle layer of water, and an inner layer of mucus. Each layer serves a purpose, with the outer layer preventing evaporation of the middle watery layer, and the inner layer spreading the tears evenly over the surface of your eyes. Any disruption in any layer can lead to dry eye syndrome.
 

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome manifests through various symptoms. The most common sign you might notice is a persistent dryness in your eyes. You could also experience a stinging or burning sensation or feel like there is something gritty in your eyes. Other symptoms include sensitivity to light, red eyes, and a blurred vision that improves with blinking.
 

It is important to note that paradoxically, dry eye syndrome can cause watery eyes. This happens when dryness irritates your eyes, leading to an overproduction of the watery component in your tears as a protective response. However, this water is not the same as the tear film that lubricates your eyes, meaning your eyes can still feel dry even when they are watery.
 

Primary Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome

One of the main causes is aging. As you age, your tear glands may produce fewer tears, leading to dry eyes. This is why dry eye syndrome is more common among the elderly.
 

Another primary cause is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). The meibomian glands are tiny oil glands along the edge of your eyelids. They produce the oily part of your tears, which prevents the water component from evaporating. If these glands get blocked or don't function properly, your tears can evaporate too quickly, leading to dry eye syndrome.
 

Hormonal changes, especially in women, can also lead to dry eye syndrome. Women are more likely to develop this condition during pregnancy, menopause, or when using birth control pills due to hormonal changes that can affect tear production.
 

Certain medications, such as antihistamines, blood pressure drugs, and antidepressants, can reduce tear production. If you're on any of these medications and experience dry eyes, you should discuss this with your doctor.
 

Environmental conditions can also contribute to dry eye syndrome. For instance, a dry, windy climate or exposure to smoke can cause your tears to evaporate too quickly. Similarly, spending long hours in front of a computer screen can reduce your blink rate, leading to increased tear evaporation.
 

Eye surgeries such as LASIK can also result in dry eye syndrome. This is because these procedures can disrupt the corneal nerves responsible for stimulating tear production.
 

When to See an Optometrist for Dry Eye Syndrome

If you're experiencing persistent symptoms of dry eye syndrome, it's essential to see an optometrist. This is particularly important if your symptoms are severe or if they're affecting your quality of life. An eye examination can help determine the cause of your symptoms, and your optometrist can recommend appropriate treatment options.
 

Early intervention can also prevent complications associated with dry eye syndrome, such as damage to the surface of your eyes. Therefore, don't delay seeking professional help if you suspect you have dry eye syndrome.
 

Conclusion

Dry eye syndrome is a common but potentially debilitating condition. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and risk factors can help you recognize it early and seek appropriate treatment.
 

If you suspect you're suffering from dry eye syndrome, schedule an eye exam with our optometrist today. Visit Eyes on the City at our office in Seattle, Washington. Call (206) 588-2814 to book an appointment today.