What Causes Dry Eyes? Here are some of the causes of this itchy affliction
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Even when we are not crying, our eyes are still full of tears. Tears are a delicate mixture of mucus and oils and water, and when that balance is disrupted, there is decreased tear production. This reduced production in tears is the reason for dry eyes. Dry eye can happen to both men and women, but it is more common in women.
Itchy & Scratchy
Dry eye symptoms can be painful and irritating and can vary from person to person. The Eye Center in Columbia lists some of the symptoms as scratchiness or itchiness, light sensitivity, or feeling like you always have something in your eye. Sometimes the eye can even produce too many tears, much like when you get something in your eye, and your eye starts to water.
A decrease in tear production can occur for a variety of reasons:
- Aging, especially menopause
- Different medications such as antihistamines or hormone replacement therapy
- Various medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or a thyroid disorder
- Lasik – although this is often temporary
- Eyelids that turn out or in and don’t shut properly
Take breaks for healthier eyes
Other causes of dry eye can be something as simple as spending too much time in air-conditioning or even environmental issues like fires or dust storms. There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from the causes of dry eye, like stop spending too much time on your phone or computer, take out your contacts, take eye breaks, stop smoking and try artificial tears.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, make sure to contact your doctor, like Dr. Brian Huff in SC for Dry Eye Treatment in Columbia SC, and let them know. Don’t continue to suffer from dry eyes, contact The Eye Center in South Carolina today, and gain relief!