Top 5 Causes of Dry Eye

Feb 14, 2019

Dry eye is a condition that affects millions of seniors across the country. It occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears to keep them lubricated. As a result, your eyes may itch, burn, or sting continuously. There are various reasons why your eyes don’t produce tears as they should. Aging can affect tear production. In fact, the majority of people who suffer from this condition are seniors. The good news is that dry eyes can be treated. At Urban Optics in College Station, we can diagnose your condition and recommend treatment options for relief.

Here are some of the top causes of this condition:

1. Medications – Some over the counter and prescription drugs can cause dry eye by affecting how your eyes produce tears. Painkillers, sleeping pills, antidepressants, antihistamines, decongestants, and certain high blood pressure medications all fall into this category.

2. Age – Aging can cause dry eye. As you age, your eyes lose their ability to produce tears in part due to inflammation of your tear ducts.

3. Autoimmune diseases – Autoimmune diseases can affect the composition of your tears. Any imbalance in tear composition can lead to dry eye.

4. Hormone imbalance – Of the millions of people who suffer from dry eye, most are women. Hormonal imbalance caused by pregnancy and menopause can affect tear production, leading to dry eye. An eye exam from your College Station optometrist can confirm this condition. If you indeed have dry eye, our optometry specialist can recommend solutions that will give you relief.

5. Computer use – People who are constantly on the computer may, over time, develop dry eye as they don’t blink as much as they should. Blinking helps keep your eyes moist so they are properly lubricated. The less you blink, the fewer tears your eyes produce which can lead to dry eye.

The irritating symptoms of dry eye can make it difficult for you to participate in the activities you enjoy most. At Urban Optic optometry, we’re committed to finding a treatment that works for you.

Schedule a Consultation

To schedule a consultation with a College Station optometry specialist at Urban Optic, call 979-690-0888 today.

Top 5 Causes of Dry Eye