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Causes of Dry Eyes

Dry eyes is a common condition that occurs when your tears aren't able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. Tears can be inadequate for many reasons. For example, dry eyes may occur if you don't produce enough tears or if you produce poor-quality tears.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms, which usually affect both eyes, may include:

•A stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in your eyes

•Stringy mucus in or around your eyes

•Sensitivity to light

•Eye redness

•A sensation of having something in your eyes

•Difficulty wearing contact lenses

•Difficulty with nighttime driving

•Watery eyes, which is the body's response to the irritation of dry eyes

•Blurred vision or eye fatigue

Dry eyes can result from:

•an imbalance in the tear mixture, so that it evaporates too fast

•insufficient tear production for good eye health

•Other causes include eyelid problems, some drugs, and environmental factors.

Reduced tear production is also linked to:

•autoimmune diseases, like Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, scleroderma or rheumatoid arthritis

radiation treatment

•diabetes

•vitamin A deficiency

refractive eye surgeries, such as laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK), increase the chance of dry eyes, but the symptoms are usually temporary

Medications that can cause dry eyes include:

•some diuretics

•angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

•antihistamines

•decongestants

•some sleeping pills

•birth control pills

•some antidepressants

•some acne drugs, specifically isotretinoin-type medications

•morphine and other opiate-based painkillers

Quick Tips

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