What Causes Dry Eye:
The Dry Eye Center Of NY & NJ in New York City, New York
The Factors That Can Cause Dry Eyes
Dry Eye Syndrome can be caused by many factors. These include age, genetics, environment, lifestyle, medications, and the overall medical health of your eyes. Regardless of which factor(s) contribute to your Dry Eye Syndrome, the result is a situation where your eyes are either not producing enough tears to keep your eyes lubricated, or the tears are not formulated with the correct balance of water, lipids, and mucous to maintain proper lubrication.
This results in the sore, gritty, and painful condition we call Dry Eye Syndrome. Sometimes, basic lifestyle and dietary changes can prevent and even alleviate the symptoms.
Eye surgery, injury, and radiation therapy are the most common medical procedures that can result in dry eyes. If you have ever undergone any medical procedure on or near your eyes, received radiation therapy, or if you notice that your eyes are getting dryer, contact us. The The Dry Eye Center Of NY & NJ has advanced techniques and experience in diagnosing and treating Dry Eye Syndrome.
Diabetes, Lupus Arthritis, Thyroid Disorders And Dry Eye Syndrome
Diabetes can lead to dry eyes because of nerve neuropathy. Essentially, the nerves that control the tear ducts stop functioning properly resulting in decreased tear production.
Lupus Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can affect the nerves and prevent the tear ducts from producing sufficient tear volume.
The thyroid maintains the hormonal and metabolic balance throughout the body. Therefore, a diseased thyroid alters the metabolism of the entire body —and the eyes are no exception. Both overactive and underactive thyroid conditions can result in dry eyes.
An overactive thyroid disorder is often a result of Graves’ Disease. This autoimmune disease causes inflammation and swelling in the eyelids (amongst other places in the body) until the eye itself may begin to protrude. This swelling and possible protrusion of the eye reduces the body’s ability to blink effectively. In addition to Dry Eye Syndrome, this can result in endocrine orbitopathy, which includes severe dry eye symptoms such as double-vision, painful pressure, and severe inflammation. When the eye is protruding, severe drying of the cornea can occur.
Medications That Cause Dry Eye
There are many medications out there that can cause dry eye. The causes range anywhere from a reduction in the functionality of the tear ducts to a decrease in the amount of water in the body. This includes:
- Diuretics
- Decongestants
- Antihistamines
- Anticholinergics
- Antidepressants
- Hormones
- Hypertension medication
- Dermatological agents
- Lortab (acetaminophen and hydrocodone)
- Ibuprofen (Advil)
Always let us know what medications you are taking, whether over-the-counter or prescription. This will help us better assess and treat your Dry Eye Syndrome.
Hormonal Changes That Result In Dry Eye
Sharp changes in your body’s hormone levels will often result in an inflammatory response which can result in dry, irritated eyes. Below are some common reasons why people undergo hormonal changes that often cause Dry Eye Syndrome. You don’t have to suffer from dry eyes in silence. Dr. Alan Schlussel and Dr. Hannah Canuto at the The Dry Eye Center Of NY & NJ will conduct a full assessment and develop a custom treatment plan that’s right for you.
Seasonal Changes, Allergies, Environment, And Dry Eye
Anytime the seasons change— particularly spring, summer, and fall— there's a high amount of allergens in the air. The autoimmune response to these allergens often results in inflammation and dry eyes. Seasonal dry eyes causes a feeling of grittiness or itching in the eye which can be most uncomfortable, and producing fewer tears can potentially lead to infections or more serious problems.
Living With Dry Eye in New York City,New York
