Dry eye occurs when the quantity and/or quality of tears fails to keep the surface of the eye adequately lubricated. Experts estimate that dry eye affects millions of adults in the United States. The risk of developing dry eye increases with advancing age. Women have a higher prevalence of dry eye compared with men.
Dry eye causes a scratchy sensation or the
feeling that something is in the eye. Other symptoms include stinging or
burning, episodes of excess tearing that follow periods of dryness, discharge,
pain, and redness in the eye. People with dry eye may also feel as if their
eyelids are heavy and may experience blurred vision.
In a healthy eye, lubricating tears called
basal tears continuously bathe the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped outer surface
of the eye. With every blink of the eye, basal tears flow across the
cornea, nourishing its cells and providing a layer of liquid protection from
the environment. When the glands nearby each eye fail to produce enough basal
tears, or when the composition of the tears changes, the health of the eye and
vision are compromised. Vision may be affected because tears on the surface of
the eye play an important role in focusing light.
Dry eye can occur when basal tear production
decreases, tear evaporation increases, or tear composition is imbalanced.
Factors that can contribute to dry eye include the following:
·
Medications
including antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, birth control pills,
hormone replacement therapy to relieve symptoms of menopause, and medications
for anxiety, Parkinson’s disease, and high blood pressure have been associated
with dry eye.
·
Advancing
age is a risk factor for declines in tear production. Dry eye is more common in
people age 50 years or older.
·
Rosacea
(an inflammatory skin disease) and blepharitis (an inflammatory eyelid disease)
can disrupt the function of the Meibomian glands.
·
Autoimmune
disorders such as Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid
arthritis and other disorders such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and Vitamin
A deficiency are associated with dry eye.
·
Women
are more likely to develop dry eye. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and after
menopause have been linked with dry eye. Women also have an increased risk for
autoimmune disorders.
·
Windy,
smoky, or dry environments increase tear evaporation.
·
Seasonal
allergies can contribute to dry eye.
·
Prolonged
periods of screen time encourage insufficient blinking.
·
Laser
eye surgery may cause temporary dry eye symptoms.
“His eyeballs felt as if they'd been removed, dry
roasted, salted, and replaced.” (Mandy Ashcraft)[i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“15 Dry Eye Symptoms You Should Know About—and How to Handle Them “ by
Korin Miller
·
“5 Unforeseen
Facts about Chronic Dry Eye” by Mary Ellen Ellis
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