What is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is a term used to describe a group of different diseases and conditions that result from inadequate wetting and lubrication of the eye. However, not all dry eye causes are easily diagnosed.
Although millions of people worldwide experience dry eye, it is often difficult to diagnose. Dry eye can easily be mistaken for other conditions such as infections or allergies.If your eyes itch, it may be eye allergies. If your eyes burn, it may be dry eye. See your eye doctor to properly diagnose your problem.
Different Dry Eye Causes
Dry eye has many different causes:
- Dry or windy environments
- Aging
- Hormonal changes
- Autoimmune diseases
- Certain types of medications
- Contact lens wear
Environment
Hot, dry climates, or dry indoor air can contribute to dry eye. Focusing long periods of time on a computer screen is also a common dry eye cause.
Aging
As we grow older, our bodies change, including our tears. Our eyes produce tears that have less natural oil in them. The oil (lipids) in our tears helps keep them from evaporating too quickly. Fewer lipids can cause an imbalance in our tears and cause dry eye.
Hormonal changes
Women are more susceptible to dry eye, especially upon entering menopause, as their bodies may decrease natural tear production.
Autoimmune diseases
There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases, including underactive or overactive thyroid, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis (MS) and Sjögren's Syndrome. Sjögren's Syndrome in particular causes inflammation in certain glands like the tear-producing lacrimal gland in the eye.
Medications
A number of medications can contribute to dry eye. Be sure and tell your eye doctor all medications you are taking, including anti-depressants and any over-the-counter antihistamines, if you believe you are experiencing dry eye.
Contact lens wear
Contact lens wear can contribute to dry eye, especially when combined with other dry eye causes like dry environment or aging. If you wear contacts, tell your eye doctor. Contact lens solutions that enhance comfort contribute to an optimal lens-wearing experience, particularly with the new "breathable" lens materials. SYSTANE® Lubricant Eye Drops can be used to lubricate your eyes prior to putting in your contacts and after you have taken them out. Be sure to remove your contact lenses prior to using lubricant eye drops.
SYSTANE® Lubricant Eye Drops can help. SYSTANE® is the first artificial tear clinically proven to reduce both signs and symptoms of dry eye.
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