Have you ever experienced dryness in your eyes? If not, there are high chances you will experience the feeling of eye dryness at some point. Even though the fleeting cases of dryness may not be annoying, chronic dry eye can be the last thing you may want to encounter. Recently, most of the reported Bronx dry eyes have been resulting from factors like the nature of lifestyle and gender. However, your doctor should tell you several other contributing factors to eye dryness, including the following.
Medications
Patients taking several medications are at greater risk of experiencing high eye dryness. Prescription medications, however, are not the only culprits. Natural remedies and supplements also increase the vulnerability to the problem if one takes them more than once. Most recently, medications that lead to mouth dryness also increase the possibility of dry eyes.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
These are tiny oil glands located on the edges of the eyelids. They are responsible for producing oil that coats the surface of your eye and ensures natural tears do not evaporate. Water and the oil from the glands collaborate to develop a tear film layer. When the glands are inflamed or clogged, it disrupts the layer, causing blurry vision and eye dryness. The blockage develops due to rapid tears evaporation, which can lead to discomfort and irritation if not treated.
Systemic Diseases
Systemic diseases such as diabetes and autoimmune diseases can cause your eyes to dry. For instance, diabetes contributes to changes in the nerve tissue. When there is an interruption in tear secretion due to diabetes-linked damage, your eye dries. Alternatively, autoimmune disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can lead to inflammation responsible for eye dryness.
Aging
As we grow old, the eyes degenerate, leading to several problems, including eye dryness. The proteins responsible for creating the tear film layer decrease as we age, causing the tears to grow smaller. Most individuals above 65 years are more prone to several cases of dry eyes. The effect affects their nighttime driving and light sensitivity.
Refractive Surgery History
In most cases, patients who have undergone refractive surgeries are more prone to experience eye dryness. In fact, more than half of the population who had LASIK was reported to have dry eyes. The symptoms mainly peak within three months of the surgery and show full enhancement within twelve months after refractive surgery.
Allergies
Oral antihistamines are critical reasons for making your eyes dry because of allergies. These forms of medications lower the number of tears naturally produced. Moreover, allergic conjunctivitis, irritation, and swelling of the eye can lead to your body producing defective tears. You should consult your doctor for examinations to detect the triggers if you are allergic.
Dry eyes can be embarrassing as they cause excessive blinking and burning sensations. If you notice your eyes are becoming drier than before, you should consult your healthcare provider. What if your provider is fully booked? What will you do? Do not worry because Bainbridge Eye Care is here to help. The center is determined to offer exceptional diagnostics, management, and treatment of eye dryness across the Bronx, New York. Call the office or book online today to request an appointment to mark the end of your problems.
