Over 60 million Americans suffer from dry eye symptoms. Of these, 10 million suffer from Dry Eye Syndrome, a chronic condition which can impact the way they live and sleep.
Dry Eye Symptoms
It is important to visit your eye doctor if you experience dry eye symptoms which include:
- Itching
- Burning
- Irritation
- Redness
- Blurred vision that improves with blinking
- Excessive tearing
- Increased discomfort after periods of reading, watching TV or using a computer
When visiting your doctor, be specific about the symptoms you experienced or are experiencing, the time of day you experience them and whether they are aggravated by certain activities. Your doctor can help you determine the causes and the severity of dry eye symptoms, as well as recommend the best treatments for you.
Causes of Dry Eye
Dry eye is caused by multiple factors. Some of the factors that cause and contribute to dry eyes include:
- Natural Aging
- Excessive contact lens use
- LASIK Surgery
- Infrequent or incomplete blinking associated with prolonged computer use
- Low humidity environments such as airplanes, hot or cold climates or those dry windy conditions, indoor heating or air conditioning
- Irritants such as smoke or dust
- Allergies
- Certain diseases like Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and others
- Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids)
- Hormonal changes experienced during pregnancy and post menopause
- Medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, oral contraceptives and some heart medications
The most common cause of severe dry eye is the normal aging process. Over time, your body produces less oil – 60% less at age 65 than at age 18. With less oil to seal the watery layer, the tear film evaporates much faster, leaving eyes feeling dry, gritty, and irritated. According to some estimates, as many as 75% of people over age 65 will experience severe dry eye.
People who wear contact lenses have an increased risk of developing Dry Eye Syndrome, as contact lenses absorb the tear film and increase the evaporation of tears. Dry eye symptoms also can be triggered by environmental factors including low humidity environments (such as airplanes, deserts, high altitudes, and windy climates), indoor heating and air conditioning and exposure to cigarette smoke. Poor blinking habits coupled with prolonged computer use or reading can result in pain and irritation in eyes.
In addition, certain diseases and medications can lead to severe dry eye. According to Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation, about four million Americans suffer from Sjogren’s syndrome, a chronic, autoimmune disease characterized by dry eyes, dry mouth and arthritis. Many other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma and thyroid disease can also cause severe dry eye. And many medications inhibit tear production including antihistamines, antidepressants, oral contraceptives and some heart medications.
There is no cure for dry eye. If left unattended, dry eye can lead to scarring of the cornea and even vision loss.
The Dry Eye Spectrum
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Mild |
Moderate |
Severe |
| Symptoms | Occasional irritation, burning, itching | Frequent irritation, burning, itching, sensitivity to light | Persistent irritation, dryness, sensitivity to light, blurred vision |
| Profile | Contact lens wearers, people with allergies, poor blinking habits, in low humidity areas | Older population, contact lens wearers, people with allergies, poor blinking habits, in low humidity areas | Older population, people with medical conditions, hormonal changes in women, contact lens wearers |
| Affected Population |
Almost Everyone
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60-Million Americans
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| 10-Million Americans | |||
