Dry Eye
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
People who suffer from Dry Eye Syndrome do not produce enough tears or have a poor quality of tears. Tears are essential for sustaining the health of the surface of the eye and for providing unaffected vision. Dry Eye Syndrome is an illness that occurs when there are inadequate tears to lubricate and nourish the eye.
Three components make up tears: oil, water and mucus. Dry Eye symptoms can occur when tears evaporate too quickly off the surface of the eye if your tears are lacking any of these components.
What are the causes of Dry Eye?
There are many causes for dry eyes. Exposure to excessively dry or windy climate can increase tear evaporation. Persons with certain health conditions such as diabetes, thyroid problems and forms of arthritis are more likely to suffer from dry eyes. As well, medications for blood pressure, depression and allergies can reduce the amount of tear production. Abuse or over wear of contact lenses is also a cause associated with dry eye. Women are more likely to develop dry eyes due to hormonal changes. Dry eye is also a part of the aging process and several people over the age of 65 experience symptoms of dry eye.
What are the symptoms of Dry Eye?
- Stinging and/or burning sensation in your eyes
- Eye fatigue
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Excessive tearing
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye redness