Dry Eye Causes

When tears come rushing in, we hardly have the time and inclination to analyze its contents. But for your information, tears are not just water that tastes salty. They contain water, fatty oils, proteins, electrolytes, substances which combat bacteria and other factors which affect the cellular functioning of the eyes. Tears play a key role in keeping the surface of our eyes smooth and clear. In fact, you can not expect clarity of vision without the presence of tears. It is possible to have a condition when tears are no longer produced or there is a change in their chemical composition, which makes tears evaporate faster. When these conditions happen you know that you are suffering from dry eyes. Dry eye causes are many - aging being one of the most common reasons. Dry eye can also be a result of side effects of some medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants and medicines which control blood pressure. Side effects from medications for Parkinson's disease and oral contraceptive pills may also result in dry eyes.

When can you make out that you have dry eyes? It would normally be manifested in terms of redness accompanied by irritation of the eyes. You would also feel like scratching your eyes more often. Your living and working environment could also play important roles in causing dry eyes. Dry, dusty and windy weather conditions are a reason for dry eyes. Then if your home or place of work has faulty air conditioning or a dry heating arrangement, you could land up with dry eyes. Working on the computer for long hours when you blink less, could be another reason for dry eyes.

Some systemic disease conditions have symptoms appear in the form of dry eyes, like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, rosacea or Sjogren's syndrome. Long and uninterrupted use of contact lens is another common cause of dry eyes. Research has shown that the incidence of dry eyes is more common with contact lens users. While dry eye syndrome can make the lens fee uncomfortable, frequent rubbing of the lens against the conjunctiva can cause dry eyes. It thus becomes a vicious cycle.

Eyelid infection, improper closing of eyelids and inadequate functioning of the tear-producing glands can be other reasons for dry eyes. Tears are made up of three layers - the outer lipid layer which is oily; the middle lacrimal layer which is watery; and the inner mucin layer which is mucous in nature. Malfunctioning of any of the layers could result in dry eye syndrome.

While anyone belonging to any age group can get affected by dry eyes, the condition is more frequently encountered by women during their menopausal years. This could be a result of hormonal changes which take place during menopause. Swelling or radiation can cause damage to the tear glands which interferes with the production of tears, which in turn may result in dry eyes.