Top Causes and Risk Factors of Dry Eyes

When you have severe fluctuations causing an imbalance in tear secretion and flow, you are prone to develop dry eyes. As a result, you may have trouble producing sufficient tears. In some instances, your eyes may make tears but with a reduction in quality. Dry eyes can be problematic, reducing your ability to see your surroundings, with a lower tendency of keeping your eyes clear and free from harmful surface matter. Dr. Iftikhar Chaudhry in Hamilton can help you restore better quality and quantity to the fluid in your eyes.

Dr. Iftikhar Chaudhry in Hamilton

For proper diagnosis, several factors can place you at a higher risk of developing dry eyes:

1. Your Age

Your eye meibomian gland function reduces as you age. With reduced structure and function, the glands minimize the film’s secretion over your eye surface.

The blocked glands spread over your eyelids, increasing your risk of developing the condition. The blocking is known as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).

2. Gender Classification

If you are female and fifty years and older, you are at a higher risk of having dry eyes. Reaching menopause also increases your probability of developing dry eyes.

3. Certain Ailments

In some instances, you have a higher risk of developing dry eyes if you have certain conditions. These diseases can include arthritis, thyroid disease, and lupus. You may also have blepharitis, where your eyelids suffer from extreme irritation and redness.

Another cause is if your eyelids turn in, known as entropion. The eyelids can also turn out, also known as ectropion. Furthermore, some medications can also lead to dry eyes. These may include antihistamines, heartburn suppressants, beta-blockers for high blood pressure, and even anxiety medication.

Undergoing eye surgery that is high refractive can also lead to dry eyes. The surgery can include laser eye surgery and also cataract-removal surgery.

4. Harsh External Exposure

When you expose your eyes to unfavorable external conditions over a long duration, dry eyes are bound to happen. It may include too much light from long hours on end from television or your laptop. As a result, your eyes have a decreasing ability to blink effectively. With less blinking rates, your eye glands that produce tear oil have lower functionality. The resulting product is inadequate tear secretion, causing dry eyes.

Additionally, if you have continuous exposure to smoke, dust particles, and even extreme wind, you may also develop dry eyes. You can also create this condition if you wear contact lenses for too long without giving your eyes some time off.

Consult with your doctor to check your eyelids structure and the quantity and quality of tears your eyes make. Furthermore, they can also check how long your tears take before drying up to make a proper diagnosis.

If you have insufficient tears, do not hesitate to inform your ophthalmologist for treatment. The options can include eye drops that act as a replication of the function of natural tears.

It would also be better if you avoid the external surroundings that will worsen your condition.