Why Are My Eyes So Dry?

Do you experience issues with your eyes being itchy?

If you answered yes, you could suffer from dry eye syndrome. This discomfort can range from mild itching to significant pain that can lead to blurry vision and redness.

Dry eyes are prevalent and can be severe, especially if they do not respond to conventional treatments. You must consult an eye specialist to determine the underlying cause.

If you want a bit of a headstart before your appointment, let’s answer the question “why are my eyes dry?” to get right to it.

Hot and Windy Climate

The air is much drier in a hot and windy climate. This can cause the tear glands to evaporate and the blood vessels in your eyes to dilate, resulting in dry eyes.

If you are indoors, the heat and air conditioning can also dry out the air. The natural remedy for these causes is to try to blink often and use artificial tears or other eye lubricants as needed.

Natural Aging Process

The natural aging process can cause a decrease in tear production. As we age, our tears may not be as effective in keeping our eyes lubricated.

You can prevent dry eyes from dryness caused by aging. You can do this by using artificial tears, keeping your eyes clean, and utilizing a humidifier.

You can have your eyes checked with eye care experts, optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians. These eye doctors specialize in various areas and can assist you according to your needs.

Health Conditions

Many different health conditions can cause dry eyes. One of the most common is Sjögren’s syndrome. This is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the tear glands.

It can decrease the production of tears. As a result, your eyes will become dry and irritated.

Some autoimmune disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis may also cause dry eyes. Other health conditions include diabetes, thyroid disorders, and vitamin A deficiency.

Long Periods of Computer Use

Staring at a computer screen for extended periods can cause dry eyes. It is because you tend not to blink as often as you usually would.

The tears are not evenly distributed over your eyes and begin to dry. You can prevent this if you take frequent breaks from your computer and blink more often than usual.

You can also use artificial tears or eyedrops to maintain your eyes’ moisture. If your eyes are still dry, you may need to consult an eye doctor if the dry eye condition is severe.

Taking Certain Medications Can Cause Dry Eyes

One of the most common reasons people experience dry eyes is from taking certain medications. Many prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause dry eyes as a side effect.

Examples of these medications include antihistamines, decongestants, and blood pressure medications. Birth control pills and antidepressants can also result to dry eyes.

If you take any of these medications and experience dry eyes, talk to your doctor. You’ll then need to consider changing medications or taking other treatment options.

Why Are My Eyes Dry?

It started with the most crucial question: why are my eyes dry? If you’re experiencing dry eyes, one of the reasons above may be the culprit.

Although dry eyes can be irritating, treatments are available to help relieve your symptoms. Be sure to see your eye doctor; they can help determine the cause and the best course of treatment.

Check out our other blog posts for more insightful content about eye health.