Millions of people experience dry eyes every day. It can be temporary or persistent, and affects people of all ages and backgrounds. In many cases, over-the-counter treatment options can address temporary dry eyes. However, persistent dry eyes are a more serious cause for concern. In fact, they require an evaluation to determine the cause of the issue. Dry eye treatment is often necessary to fully resolve the issue. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of your symptoms. You may wonder, why are my eyes always dry? Below are the most common causes of dry eyes and what to do about them.
Why Are My Eyes Always Dry?
Dry eyes can impact your daily life in so many ways. They can make work and school difficult. Things like reading and driving can also become a huge burden. Determining the cause of your dry eyes is key. This can be determined by working with a skilled eyelid surgeon. Below are the most common causes of dry eyes.
Oil Gland Dysfunction
The most common cause of dry eyes is meibomian gland dysfunction. The meibomian glands are oil-producing glands along the eyelid margins. When they become clogged or malfunction, issues inevitably arise. Without adequate oil production in the eyes, the tear film evaporates too fast. This type of dry eye is called evaporative dry eye. This is the most common type of dry eye. There are several effective treatment options to manage the issue.
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation of the eyelids is called blepharitis. This is another common cause of dry eyes. It is also characterized by meibomian gland dysfunction. Chronic inflammation is common and underrated. This is because most people do not seek treatment. Untreated inflammation can lead to serious issues. This is because over-the-counter treatment options do not address the underlying issue. Treatment from a top eyelid surgeon can address the root cause and reduce your symptoms.
Natural Aging
As you get older, dry eyes are more common. This is because tear production naturally decreases with age. The meibomian glands also become less efficient. The skin also loses its natural elasticity, which affects how the eye opens and closes. Sometimes, this can affect how effectively you blink. Specifically for women, hormonal changes can impact tear production. Dry eyes are a symptom of hormonal changes that occur during menopause.
Certain Medications and Health Conditions
Certain medications and health conditions can cause dry eyes. Common culprits include antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medication, and antidepressants. Sometimes dry eyes are a symptom of certain medical conditions. This includes rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and lupus. Rosacea that impacts the eyelids can also lead to dry eyes. Talk with an eyelid surgeon if you experience persistent dry eyes and think it may be associated with a medical condition or medication.
Lifestyle Factors
Certain lifestyle factors can cause dry eyes. In these cases, there are often habits you can incorporate to address the issue. Common factors include extended screen time. Reducing your screen time and using the 20-20-20 method can help. This requires looking at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. Air conditioning and central heating are also common culprits. Use a humidifier to combat the dry air. If modifications do not address the issue, consult with a skilled eyelid surgeon.
When to Contact an Eyelid Surgeon
You may wonder when to reach out to an eyelid surgeon for support. If your dry eyes impact your daily life or persist for more than a couple of weeks, it is time to reach out. This is especially true if over-the-counter treatment options and lifestyle changes have not helped. There are several highly effective conservative treatment options. However, severe cases may require more aggressive intervention.
An eyelid surgeon will assess your eyes and symptoms. Be sure to share how long you have had the symptoms, including when they started. The severity of your symptoms and the cause of your dry eyes will inform which treatment option is right for you. The eyelid surgeon will use the information from your appointment to create a customized treatment plan. When the underlying issue is treated, dry eyes often resolve. However, it is important to stay in touch with your eyelid surgeon to fully address the issue.
Leading Eyelid Surgeon
Dry eyes can impact your daily activities and reduce your quality of life. If you need treatment for dry eyes, contact the team at Jeffrey Joseph Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation!