Dry Eye Syndrome: Common Causes and Symptoms

Dry eye syndrome is a condition that occurs when your eyes do not produce sufficient tears or fail to maintain a normal layer of tears to coat your eyes. Your eyes may also be susceptible to bacterial infections.

Also, the surface of your eyes may become inflamed, resulting in corneal scarring. Although unpleasant, dry eye syndrome rarely results in permanent vision loss.
 

What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome, also known as keratoconjunctivitis, is a common eye condition. It occurs when your tear glands fail to produce sufficient tears or produce tears of the wrong consistency. Tears are necessary for maintaining eye health and providing lubrication to the eye's surface. When your tear glands malfunction, the surface of your eye can become dry and irritated, resulting in various symptoms.

Common Causes

This eye problem can occur as a result of various circumstances. Some of these include the following:

• Age

Dry eye syndrome is more common in older adults since the tear glands become less active with age. That can lead to a decrease in tear production, resulting in dry eye syndrome.

• Medications 

Certain medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and some antidepressants, can interfere with tear production and contribute to developing dry eye syndrome. These medications can cause dryness and irritation in the eyes by interfering with the function of the tear glands.

• Underlying Health Problems

Certain underlying health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases and infections, can affect your tear glands and cause dry eye syndrome. These conditions can cause tear gland inflammation and damage, resulting in decreased tear production.

• Hormonal Imbalance 

Hormonal imbalances, such as those experienced during pregnancy or menopause, can impair tear production and lead to dry eye syndrome. That could be due to changes affecting the tear glands' function.

• Environmental Factors

Using computers or other electronic devices for long hours and exposure to dry or windy environments can contribute to the development of dry eye syndrome. These factors can cause dryness and irritation in the eyes, resulting in a decrease in tear production.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

Depending on the severity of the condition, dry eye syndrome symptoms may include the following:

• Dryness in the eyes is the most common symptom of this condition. That can range from mild discomfort to severe dryness, leaving the eyes feeling gritty or scratchy.

• Redness and inflammation of the eyes.

• Difficulty with nighttime driving.

• Sensitivity to light.

• Itching in the eyes, which can be painful and lead to rubbing or scratching

• Difficulty wearing contact lenses. 

• A buildup of discharge in the eyes, which can range from a thin, watery discharge to a thicker, pus-like discharge.

• Watery eyes due to irritation. 

• Foreign object sensation in the eye. 

Conclusion

You should consult an eye doctor right away if you experience dry eye syndrome symptoms. They will diagnose the problem and recommend treatment to help improve your tear production and alleviate your symptoms.

Artificial tears, ointments, or medications may help stimulate tear production and improve the tears' quality. Surgery may be necessary in severe cases to help improve tear production.

For more on dry eye syndrome, visit Frame & Focus Eye Care at our Richmond, Texas, office. Call (832) 664-7900 to schedule an appointment today.