The inflammation then affects the surfaces of the eyes, leading to redness, stinging, and dryness. Keep reading for the common causes of dry eyes and how to find corrective actions fast.
Tear Film Dysfunction
A tear film dysfunction causes dry eyes when its layers are affected. The tear film contains three layers — the aqueous, the mucus, and the fatty oils. These layers lubricate the eyes and keep them clear and smooth. When they have problems, they reduce the lubrication, causing eye dryness. Tear film dysfunction can happen due to hormonal changes, inflamed eyelid glands, allergic reactions, or autoimmune diseases.
Decreased Tear Production
Besides a dysfunctional tear film, dry eyes can occur when your tear glands cannot produce enough water or the aqueous fluid that makes tears. When this happens, the disease is known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is also known as dry eye syndrome, and it occurs when the layer of your eyes called conjunctiva is dysfunctional because of aging, allergies, or rheumatoid arthritis. When your dry eyes result from keratoconjunctivitis sicca, they appear inflamed, dry, and red, and you experience eye discomfort and increased sensitivity to light.
Excessive Or Continous Computer Usage
Using a computer for an extended time can cause dry eyes because you might not often blink. And when you do not blink, the eyes cannot lubricate. Because of this, you suffer eyestrain and tension headaches. Eyestrain and headaches affect the tear glands and the inner layers of the eyes, interfering with the tear film, which then lowers the production of tears. As a result, you suffer from dry eyes.
Dry Eyes Can Be A Side Effect Of Laser Surgery
During laser surgery, a few nerves in your eye cornea could get cut. When this happens, the eyes tend to produce fewer tears. And if the cutting of nerves is excessive, then you will suffer a severe inability to produce enough tears for a long time. As a result, your tear film dries up, causing persistent dry eyes.
But if the surgery cuts a few cornea nerves, then you will temporarily experience dry eyes. And if the problem is not severe, it resolves on its own within a few days.
Exposure To Excessive Wind and Cold Conditions
Wind and cold conditions can also lead to dry eyes. These conditions cause tears to evaporate too quickly before they can lubricate the eyes.
The Complications of Dry Eyes, Preventative Measures, and Finding A Solution Fast
Acute or chronic dry eyes have complications, including increasing the risks of contracting internal eye infections, decreased quality of life, and damage to the surfaces of the eyes. Internal eye infections happen because adequate tears reduce the ability of the eyes to prevent the entry of disease-causing agents.
Also, when dry eyes are not treated, they lead to inflammation, corneal ulcers, and loss of vision or abrasion of the corneal surfaces.
In preventing dry eyes, you can avoid blowing air in your eyes from devices such as heaters, air conditioners, fans, and hair dryers. Also, wear safety shields such as eyeglasses for blocking wind and dry air. But more importantly, find eye care services from the experts, and you can find such experts at avenues like Davis Eye Center. Contact us today for treatment for your dry eyes, cataracts, corneal, and other eye problems.