Dry Eye Syndrome Symptoms
- Burning sensation in the eyes
- Scratchiness or itchiness in the eye
- Stingy mucus like secretion
- Feeling something in the eye
- Decreased vision, usually mild to moderate
- Tiredness of eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Contact lens intolerance
- Blurred vision
Most Common Causes of Dry Eye – 10 Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome
- Aging Eyes – As people age it is completely natural that the tears we produce have less oil in them. The aging population has specific dry eye related problems.
- Environmental factors – Environmental factors like windy climates or desert like climates cause dry eyes. Additionally, the use of air conditioning can cause this as well. You may wake up in the morning after being near and air conditioner and experience this.
- Meibomian gland dysfunction – Patients with this dysfunction typically present with symptoms of burning, irritation, dryness, and decreased contact lens wearing time. The diagnosis is made by inspection of the glands and their secretions.
- Menopause in women – Females entering menopause are among the most prone to dry eye.
- Work environment – Some work environments that are dusty and windy may be harmful to patients more likely to develop dry eye syndrome.
- Medications – Antihistamines and decongestants may cause dry eyes but other medications can cause dry eye as well (These medications include, pain relievers, antihistamines, tranquilizers, oral contraceptives, beta blockers, diuretics, and antidepressants).
- Contact lens use – Wearing contact lenses can contribute to dry eye. Please consult your contact lens provider for specific questions about your particular type of contacts or schedule an appointment with our Dry Eye Center to discuss this issue.
- Computer screen reading – Sitting in front of the computer for hours may cause you to blink less and also cause dry eyes. Many people are studying something called computer vision syndrome as well.
- Certain diseases – There are diseases linked to chronic dry eye. Has your eye doctor ever discussed these with you before? The most popular disease linked to dry eye is Sjogren’s syndrome, but other diseases that impact dry eyes are keratoconjuntivitis, sicca, xerophthalmia, lupus erythematosus, Grave’s disease, diabetes, and scleroderma.
- Vitamin A deficiency – This uncommon vitamin deficiency exists with chronic failure to eat sufficient amounts of vitamin A or beta-carotene. This results in levels of blood-serum vitamin A that are below a defined range. Beta-carotene is a form of pre-vitamin A, which is readily converted to vitamin A in the body. Night blindness is the first symptom of vitamin A deficiency. Prolonged and severe vitamin A deficiency can produce total and irreversible blindness.
* Always consult your medical eye care provider for your specific questions or concerns regarding dry eye. Over the counter treatment options may not be the best solution. Our Louisville, KY dry eye specialists can be contacted at 502-589-1500.