What causes dry eyes?

Dry eye is one of the most common modern ailments when it comes to eye health. Statistics show that around 100 million are thought to be affected globally, with 1 in 4 residents in the UK dealing with these irritations daily. While dry eye can be distracting and annoying, its commonality makes it easy to treat too. Understanding the why and how of this condition allows you to make daily changes or seek the right treatment. Read on to learn more about dry eyes.

What is dry eye?

Our eyes play a vital role in everyday life, allowing us to view the world and avoid danger. Each eyeball is protected by a film of tears, formed by glands and used to balance moisture levels. This film prevents damage, allows our eyes to focus for clear vision and ensures continued comfort. However, on occasion, tear production is hindered and this moisture level decreases. When this happens, we experience dry eye.

The symptoms of dry eye

While it differs from person to person, the most common symptoms of dry eye are:

  • A gritty, burning or dry sensation around the eyeball
  • Excessive tears or ‘watery eye’
  • Redness on the eyeball
  • The feeling of something stuck in your eye
  • Itching
  • Light sensitivity
  • Eyes feeling glued together upon waking

What causes dry eye

Dry eye occurs when tear production changes. There are many reasons for this, including:

  • Certain illnesses, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and diabetes
  • Fluctuating hormones caused by conditions including menopause and pregnancy
  • Excessive use of digital screens
  • Poor blinking habits when reading
  • Dryness indoors from central heating etc
  • Limited oxygen flow to the eye’s surface when wearing contact lenses regularly
  • Specific medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines and some birth control tablets

How do you treat dry eye?

As it is such a common condition, dry eye is easy to treat. At home, you can take precautions such as:

  • Cleaning away makeup, sleep and dirt from eyelids daily
  • Taking regular breaks from screens
  • Using a humidifier to maintain balanced moisture in the air
  • Allowing your eyes to rest after using contact lenses for an extended period of time
  • Non-prescription eye drops

If the condition persists, we recommend booking an appointment with your optometrist. They will carry out a comprehensive eye examination to identify the volume of tears and their quality. Your optometrist will also look for markers that may indicate more serious conditions and advise if any changes need to be made to your prescription.

At The Eye Establishment, we are dedicated to ensuring continued eye health for all our customers. Our expert team offers advice and support to maintain your vision for longer. Whether you’re dealing with dry eye or are concerned about your vision, we’re here to put your mind at ease.

Our wide selection of leading brands includes designer sunglasses for men and stylish optical glasses. If you’re unsure of what type of glasses or designer sunglasses you need, contact us today for assistance. We also specialise in lenses, frames and designer sunglasses for women. Book your appointment now.

Back to Journal