Causes of Dry Eyes

If you experience dry eyes, you’re certainly not alone. It’s estimated 12 million people in the United States experience the symptoms of dry eyes – most of them women over sixty. In fact, it’s one of the most common reasons that people visit their eye doctor. One of the main causes of dry eyes is an imbalance in the tear mechanism.

Those who suffer with the condition may have difficulty moving their eyelids, are sensitive to bright lights, and find it difficult to read. In many cases, the dry-eye condition, known as keratoconjuctivitis sicca, accompanies other problems such as arthritis and thyroid disease associated with bulging eyes. It can also be caused by a vitamin A deficiency.

There are actually two systems of tearing. One is the constant flow of liquid that coats the eye with a film to keep the cornea moist. A second, back-up system produces a large flow of tears in response to an emotional stimulus, to an irritant such as smoke, wind or even a response to a dry eye.  Tears contain a combination of water, mucus, and fat; they also contain sugar, protein, and a bacteria-destroying enzyme that protects the eye against infection. When the balance of this system is thrown off, burning, itching, and a scratchy or sandy sensation may result.

Although the condition cannot be cured, it can usually be managed. The most common remedy is one of a wide variety of eyedrops available over-the-counter at pharmacies. It is important to consult your doctor before buying one at random because the remedies correct different kinds of imbalances in the tearing mechanism. If you’re also taking a tranquilizer, antihistamine, or decongestant, greater irritation can result.

For people who suffer from severe dry eyes, a cellulose replacement is available. It melts in the eye, providing relief by keeping the eye moist for as long as twelve hours. Other prescription medications are also available.

In winter, when the air is dry, humidifiers can also help relieve dry eyes. Air purifiers will help if the air is particularly dirty. And doctors recommend using white facial tissues, rather than colored ones, because the dye in colored tissues may irritate the eyes.

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