Dry eyes is a condition that usually occurs when tears are not available to ensure the eyes are lubricated. The tears may also be inadequate because of different reasons. For instance, your eyes may be producing tears that are of poor quality. This instability often leads to inflammation and will result in the surface of the eyes being damaged.

Symptoms of dry eyes are uncomfortable. Your eyes will burn or sting. While in an air-conditioned room or an airplane, you will suffer from dry eyes. Fortunately, the available treatment options are quite simple to implement and include the use of eyedrops or making lifestyle changes. Different causes lead to dry eyes. When you have dry eyes, the healthy tear film is normally disrupted. The tear film consists of three layers; mucus, aqueous fluids, and fatty oils. The three layers ensure the surface of the eyes is smooth, clear, and lubricated. When any of the three layers is disrupted, you will have dry eyes.

Some of the reasons why tear films are disrupted include autoimmune diseases, hormone changes, allergic eye disease, and inflamed eyelid glands. For some individuals, a high rate of tear evaporation leads to dry eyes. Below, we delve deeper into the causes of dry eyes:

1. Increased tear evaporation

There are small glands in the eyes that normally produce an oil film, and when they are clogged, they will lead to rapid tear evaporation. Such issues are common among people that have skin disorders. The common causes for this include blinking less (which means you may end up suffering from Parkinson’s disease, among other conditions), Posterior blepharitis, eye allergies, eyelid issues, vitamin A deficiency or the presence of preservatives in the eye drops.

2. A decrease in tear production

When you cannot produce adequate amounts of the aqueous fluid, you may end up suffering from dry eyes. Reduced tear production is mainly caused by certain medical conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome, aging especially during menopause and certain medications like antidepressants.

3. Natural aging

As you grow older, you are at the risk of suffering from the dry eyes condition. The condition is common among people who are 65 years or older. Women are more prone to suffering from the condition because of hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause.

4. Tear gland damage from radiation

The lacrimal glands are damaged when your eyes are exposed to radiation. Inflammatory mediators are then released and they lead to a decrease in tear production and you will eventually suffer from the dry eyes condition. Patients who have undergone radiotherapy usually complain about dry eyes.

The common symptoms of dry eyes include:

• Stringy mucus appears around the eyes
• The eyes are red
• A burning sensation around the eyes
• Issues wearing contact lenses
• Issues while driving at night
• Eye fatigue
• The eyes appear to be watery

If you have experienced the signs and symptoms for a prolonged period, including eye irritation, eye redness, or pain in the eyes, ensure you have sought medical attention. The doctor will determine the underlying issue, and they can even refer you to an eye specialist who can help treat or manage the condition.