What Causes Dry Eyes & How to Cure Them?
By Dhwani Jerajani +2
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Last updated: Apr 15, 2024Click to rate this article!
Dry eyes is a common eye disorder that is faced by thousands lately.
Simply put, it is the condition where there is a decrease in tear formation, which leaves the eyes dry.
Dry eye syndrome can be caused by a number of reasons. Though it is rarely caused due to a single factor, the following factors can be held responsible to a certain extent.1) Hormonal Changes
The nervous system and hormones play a great role in monitoring tear production. Naturally then, women are at a greater risk of suffering from dry eyes due to their frequent hormonal swings.2) Environmental Factors
Weather conditions, like harsh winds or scorching sun rays, can trigger dry eye syndrome. Sitting in an air controlled room for too long too may lead to dry eyes.3) Eye Surgeries
Patients who have undergone eye surgeries usually suffer from dry eyes temporarily till the eye heals.4) Aging
The capacity of tear glands to produce tears decreases with age. Hence, it is very common that the elderly have to deal with this along with other age-related disorders.5) Contact Lenses
Dry eyes are a common complaint among people who wear contact lenses. Changing the type or quality of lenses usually solves the problem.6) Medical Conditions
Certain medical disorders cause or aggravate dry eye syndrome by affecting the eye’s capacity of producing tears. Some diseases that cause dry eyes include- HIV, Arthritis, contact Dermatitis, etc.7) Medications
A number of medicines affect the ability of tear glands to produce tears.
Though dry eyes can’t be completely be cured, a few steps can be taken to manage them. These include the following:
- Avoid staring at computer screens continuously for long hours. Take frequent breaks and blink often.
- Wear sunglasses when out in the wind or sun in all seasons and specifically in the summers.
- Regulate the humidity around your workspaces by incorporating house plants or artificial humidifiers.
- Keep yourself hydrated by drinking at least 8 to 10 glasses of water every day.
- Nutritional supplements containing essential fatty acids can be effective in keeping the eyes hydrated. Check with the physician before you take these supplements.
Using lubricating eye drops can be both soothing to the eyes, as well as help keep dry eyes at bay.
Also Read: How to Stop Watery Eyes: Effective Solutions Based on ResearchDisclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikita Toshi 
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