Dry eyes can be an uncomfortable, irritating condition that can seriously affect your day-to-day life. While most people experience occasional dry eyes, it can become a chronic condition requiring constant maintenance and management for some individuals.
To help you identify and address the root causes of your dry eyes, we're exploring some of the reasons for dry eyes and what you can do to manage and combat the condition.
Aging
This is one of the common causes of dry eyes. As we get older, the production of natural, healthy tears begins to decline, which can cause dry and irritated eyes. Of course, we can't do anything to stop the effects of aging, but fortunately, treatments are available to help relieve the symptoms of dry eyes.
Over-the-counter or prescription eye drops can help lubricate the eye and keep it hydrated, and for more severe cases, there are medical treatments such as punctal plugs or surface treatments that can help.
Medication Side Effects
Many medications, including antihistamines, diuretics, and blood pressure, can contribute to dry eye. Why they cause such is not completely understood, but it is thought that these medications cause a decrease in tear production.
If you are taking medications that may contribute to your dry eye, speak to your doctor to determine the best course of action.
Environmental Pollutants and Irritants
Environmental pollutants like smoke and air contaminants can cause dry eyes. The same goes for exposure to particulates such as winds, dust, and pollen.
Wear protective goggles or a hat to protect your eyes from irritation if you spend time outdoors in windy, dusty, or pollen-filled conditions. Also, consider investing in a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter for your home to reduce the number of pollutants that you're exposed to indoors.
Extended Screen Time
The number of hours we spend in front of digital screens has increased significantly over the years, which can contribute to dry eyes. We blink our eyes much less often when working on a computer or staring at other digital devices, and this can cause the eyes to become dry.
To mitigate this problem, take regular breaks every 20 minutes or so while working in front of a computer screen or watching TV- this will help keep your eyes hydrated and reduce the risk of dry eye.
Corneal Exposure
The tear film of your eyes can get worn away due to various things, such as sleeping with your contact lenses on or simply not closing your eyes properly when sleeping. This can cause the delicate corneas to become exposed, resulting in dry eyes and possible infections.
If you're wearing contacts while you sleep, switch to a different contact lens designed for overnight wear, or opt for glasses instead.
Health Conditions
Certain medical conditions can also cause dry eyes, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, or Meniere's disease. These can cause a decrease in tear production and poor Meibomian gland function, leading to dryness and irritation.
If you're dealing with any of these health conditions, your doctor may be able to recommend specific treatments or medications to help manage your dry eyes.
Conclusion
Knowing the root causes of your dry eyes can help you determine which treatments and ways are likely to work best. But what if there's an innovative device that can solve all your dry eye problems?
Dry Eye Mask is not your ordinary electric heated dry eye mask. It's the best-heated eye mask for dry eyes, designed for comfort, that provides immediate relief. Discover what it can do to you today; buy now!
