Do you often feel like there’s something in your eyes? Do your eyes feel tired, gritty, or simply dry?
Dry eyes are common. Sometimes they are just a natural consequence of staying up late or feeling tired, but if the problem persists, it could be an indication of an underlying issue. The good news is that, while frustrating, once we identify the cause, dry eyes are very manageable.
To help you out, we asked our expert Dr. Scott Beeve at Beeve Vision Care Center, to explain what dry eyes are and how they occur.
Dry eyes occur when you don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears you produce are not of good quality. Tears are essential for eye comfort, as they keep the surface of the eye smooth and protected. A healthy tear film contains oil, water, and mucus. If there isn’t enough oil or mucus, tears evaporate quickly, leaving the eye feeling dry.
Sometimes, to compensate for poor-quality tears, the eyes produce more of them. Excessive tearing can also be a sign of dry eyes.
Dry eyes can develop for many reasons, and in many cases, a combination of risk factors is involved.
Tear production naturally decreases with age. In women, hormonal changes during menopause can also reduce the quality of tears, creating dry eyes over time.
Air conditioning, extended screen use, staying up late at night, and even smoking can all contribute to tear evaporation. For some people, switching from contact lenses to glasses may help reduce symptoms.
Tiny glands along the eyelids produce oil that helps prevent tears from evaporating too quickly. When these glands are blocked or inflamed, tears lose their protective oil layer, leading to discomfort and dryness.
In autoimmune conditions, when the body attacks its own tissues, inflammation can affect the lacrimal glands, causing them to produce fewer tears. At the same time, inflammation can make the surface of the eye more sensitive.
Diabetes can also negatively affect the eyes, as elevated blood sugar levels may damage the nerves that help regulate tear production.
Depending on the cause of poor eye lubrication, treatment may include lifestyle modifications, omega-3 supplements, artificial tears, or tear-stimulating medications. If oil glands are blocked, simple, non-invasive treatments can help restore their function and improve tear quality in a relatively short time.
Want to learn more about what’s causing discomfort in your eyes? Contact our office in Glendale, California, to schedule an appointment today.
