Do your eyes become dry more than occasionally or especially irritated for long periods? If so, you may have dry eye disease, or dry eyes, which has wide range of causes. A simple evaluation by one of our doctors could quickly reveal if you even have dry eyes, or if something else is causing your symptoms.
Dry eye disease is a breakdown of your tear film. This thin film of tears coats the surface of your eyes, which controls the quality, and amount of tears your eyes need. There are numerous reasons that can cause your tear film to not function properly. The most common include:
Certain Eye Conditions: Your tears are made of a specific mixture of water, oils, proteins, and electrolytes to keep your eyes comfortably lubricated. Symptoms can occur if one or more of these are out of kilter. An “out-turning” or “in-turning” of the eyelid can also lead to dry eyes.
Age & Health: Tear production naturally weakens as we get older, which is why dry eyes is common in people over 50. Hormonal changes can lead to dry eyes, particularly with post-menopausal women. Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, radiation therapy, other medical conditions are other causes. Although usually temporary, LASIK eye surgery can cause dry eyes as well.
Medications: Common prescription drugs can be a factor. This may include high blood pressure medications, certain antidepressants, acne medications, and birth control pills. Antihistamines, ibuprofen, and other over-the-counter pain relievers can also cause dry eyes.
Type of Work: Dry eye disease is common for people with jobs that require a lot of reading, computer work, or driving. Looking at computers and smartphones for long periods is becoming a leading cause of dry eyes today.
Environment & Allergies: Air quality, wind, dry air and smoke can trigger dry eye symptoms. Do you have allergies to plants, animals, dust, or other elements in the air? Specific eye allergies can also cause dry eyes.
At Dry Eye Institutes of America™ we are unique in that we specialize in dry eye disease. Dry eye research continues to reveal more about the vast array of causes. Which is why we apply dry eye expertiseand advanced technology to more accurately pinpoint the cause,and provide the most effective treatment plan to manage your day-to-day symptoms. Managing your symptoms not only provides more effective relief, it provides longer-term relief.
If you suspect you have dry eyes, contact Dry Eye Institutes of America™ at 817-488-3490. Or you may email us at info@deiamerica.com. Our main office is conveniently located in Grapevine, with affiliated Dallas/Fort Worth specialists near you.