What Causes Dry, Itchy Eyes beyond Allergies

woman with itchy eye

Dry, itchy eyes are a common problem, and there are many potential causes. Allergies are a common trigger, but there are other possible causes as well, such as environmental factors, medications, and underlying health conditions.

Dry eyes can be very uncomfortable, and they can make it difficult to focus on tasks or enjoy activities. If you're dealing with dry, itchy eyes, it's important to understand the possible causes so you can find the best treatment and prevention strategy.

What Causes Dry Eyes? 

Dry eyes are a common condition that can occur for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, dry eyes can be a temporary problem that clears up on its own. However, for some people, dry eyes can be a chronic condition that requires ongoing treatment. Several factors can contribute to dry eyes, including:

Lack of Tears

Dry eyes can occur when the eyes do not produce enough tears. Tears are necessary for keeping the eyes lubricated and healthy. A lack of tears can be caused by a number of factors, including:

  • Aging: As we age, our bodies produce fewer tears. This is why dry eyes are more common in older adults.
  • Medications: Certain medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications, can reduce tear production.
  • Medical conditions: Dry eyes can be a symptom of a medical condition, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes.

How Can Tears Be Inadequate?

Tears are a complex mixture of water, oils, mucus, and antibodies. The water in tears helps to keep the surface of your eye lubricated and smooth. The oils help to keep the water from evaporating too quickly. The mucus helps to spread the tears evenly over the surface of your eye. And the antibodies help to protect your eyes from infection.

If your tears are not adequately lubricating your eyes, you may experience dry eye. This can be caused by a number of factors, including: 

  • A decrease in the production of tears
  • An increase in the evaporation of tears
  • An imbalance in the composition of tears

Dry eyes can be a nuisance, but it is usually not a serious condition. However, if left untreated, it can lead to more serious problems, such as corneal ulcers or scarring. If you think you may have dry eye, you should see an eye doctor for a complete evaluation. There are a number of treatments available that can help to relieve the symptoms of dry eye.

The Bottom Line: Addressing Your Dry Eyes

If you are experiencing dry eyes, there are several things you can do to help relieve the symptoms. These include using artificial tears, wearing sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes from wind and sun, and avoiding smoke and other irritants. Alternatively, you can also use an electric-heated dry eye mask, which helps to reduce the symptoms of dry eyes.

Dry eyes can be a real pain, and if you're someone who suffers from them, you know how important it is to find a good dry eyes sleep mask. There are a lot of different masks on the market, but not all of them are created equal. 

Here at Dry Eye Mask, we are a specialty eye care provider that focuses on treating dry eye syndromes. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help you find relief for your dry eyes!