Dry eyes happen when your eyes don't produce enough tears or when the tears don't work correctly, leading to insufficient lubrication. This common condition can result in discomfort and various symptoms.
Causes of Dry Eyes
Several factors can contribute to dry eyes:
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Insufficient Tear Production: Your eyes may not produce enough tears to keep them adequately moist. This can be due to aging, certain medical conditions (like Sjogren's syndrome), or medications. The Mayo Clinic states that dry eye disease occurs when tears "aren't able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes."
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Increased Tear Evaporation: Tears evaporate too quickly, leaving your eyes feeling dry. This can be caused by:
- Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): This is a common cause, as described in several sources. MGD occurs when the meibomian glands, responsible for producing the oily layer of your tears, don't function properly. This reduces the stability of the tear film, leading to faster evaporation.
- Environmental Factors: Spending extended periods in front of computer screens, dry air (especially during winter or in air-conditioned environments), and wind can all accelerate tear evaporation. The NHS mentions prolonged computer use as a risk factor.
- Infrequent Blinking: Blinking helps spread tears across the eye's surface. Reduced blinking, as seen in conditions like Parkinson's disease or when highly focused on a task, can lead to dry eyes.
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Tear Film Composition: Even if you produce enough tears, the composition might be wrong. The wrong chemical makeup can make your eyes feel dry despite the presence of tears. This is highlighted in the Florida Eye Specialists blog post.
Symptoms of Dry Eyes
Dry eyes can manifest in several ways:
- A dry, gritty, or burning sensation.
- Redness.
- Watery eyes (paradoxically, dry eyes can sometimes lead to excessive watering as a response to irritation).
- Eye mucus that makes the eyes feel "glued shut" after sleeping (Penn Medicine).
Treatment and Solutions
While a detailed treatment plan requires consultation with an ophthalmologist, some general strategies include:
- Artificial Tears: Using lubricating eye drops can provide temporary relief.
- Lifestyle Changes: Taking frequent breaks from computer screens, using humidifiers, and wearing protective eyewear in windy conditions can help.
- Warm Compresses: Applying warm compresses to the eyelids can help stimulate the meibomian glands.