Have you ever dealt with dry, itchy eyes? They may sting, or feel gritty or overly sensitive. This is a common condition that affects as many as one in three people.
Also known as keratitis sicca or xerophthalmia, dry eyes can result when tear fluid is produced too slowly or evaporates too quickly. While it’s common to ease discomfort in the obvious way — by adding more fluid to the eyes in the form of eye drops — it’s important to investigate what’s behind this seemingly simple, yet potentially complex problem.
What causes dry eyes?
Dry eyes are more common in older people, but the problem can occur at any age. There are many factors that contribute to temporary or chronic dry eyes. For example, a number of medications may cause eye discomfort as a side effect:
• Diuretics
• …show more content…
Some of these illnesses include shingles, Bell’s palsy, HIV, diabetes, arthritis, and lupus. Skin conditions such as rosacea can also result in inflammation along the eyelids or clogged glands, interfering with healthy tear production.
One of the little-known culprits behind dry eyes is a dangerous nutritional deficiency. Those lacking vitamin A can easily develop dry eyes. Other nutritional deficiencies can also hinder eye health — see below for some food suggestions.
Menopause with its associated hormonal changes is also commonly linked with dry eye syndrome. But, for most people, dry eyes are usually the result of too much time spent in front of the computer, television, or even outdoors in the wind and sun.
I have had dry eyes for as long as I can remember. This may be partly due to the fact that I work online — spending a lot of time in front of a computer tends to dry out anyone's eyes. I also think that there is an hereditary component to my dry eyes, as my father also has this condition. Add contacts to the mix, and my eyes often feel uncomfortable by the end of the
Also known as keratitis sicca or xerophthalmia, dry eyes can result when tear fluid is produced too slowly or evaporates too quickly. While it’s common to ease discomfort in the obvious way — by adding more fluid to the eyes in the form of eye drops — it’s important to investigate what’s behind this seemingly simple, yet potentially complex problem.
What causes dry eyes?
Dry eyes are more common in older people, but the problem can occur at any age. There are many factors that contribute to temporary or chronic dry eyes. For example, a number of medications may cause eye discomfort as a side effect:
• Diuretics
• …show more content…
Some of these illnesses include shingles, Bell’s palsy, HIV, diabetes, arthritis, and lupus. Skin conditions such as rosacea can also result in inflammation along the eyelids or clogged glands, interfering with healthy tear production.
One of the little-known culprits behind dry eyes is a dangerous nutritional deficiency. Those lacking vitamin A can easily develop dry eyes. Other nutritional deficiencies can also hinder eye health — see below for some food suggestions.
Menopause with its associated hormonal changes is also commonly linked with dry eye syndrome. But, for most people, dry eyes are usually the result of too much time spent in front of the computer, television, or even outdoors in the wind and sun.
I have had dry eyes for as long as I can remember. This may be partly due to the fact that I work online — spending a lot of time in front of a computer tends to dry out anyone's eyes. I also think that there is an hereditary component to my dry eyes, as my father also has this condition. Add contacts to the mix, and my eyes often feel uncomfortable by the end of the