Why Do My Eyes Always Feel Dry?

Introduction:

Is it difficult for you to tear up? Need to know why? Our eyes are customized in a way they make tears on their own to keep themselves moist. But sometimes, this process gets disrupted by itself or due to external factors or underlying medical conditions that make tear production scarce and compromise the tear quality, leading to dryness in the eyes.

What Does a Tear Contain?

A tear film is made up of three main layers such as;

• The oily layer is the outermost layer of the tear film produced by the oil glands called the meibomian gland. These glands are present along the edges of the eyelids, where the eyelashes are placed and produce oil that prevents the eyes from drying out. Any defect in this can cause easy evaporation of the tear.

• The watery layer is the middle layer that contributes most to tear production and is a by-product of the lacrimal glands. They take charge of the protection of the eye by washing the debris that gets caught in the eye and keeping the eyes clean. Problems with this layer's consistency can result in the formation of a ropey layer in the eyes.

• The mucus layer is deep inside and helps even spread the watery layer and contributes to keeping the eyes moist. It is made by the conjunctiva, a transparent layer covering the white part of our eyes. If this layer gets faulty, dry patches can appear on the eye's surface.

What Causes Dry Eyes?

Dry eyes occur when the tear production is inadequate or when the quality of tears is poor, which can be due to more than one reason, such as:

• Prolonged screen time, continuous reading, or other activities that involve less blinking will result in dry eyes.

• Wearing contact lenses without proper hydration for an extended period and certain eye surgeries done to correct the vision can cause dry eyes.

• Cold climate, wind, or exposure to smoke can lead to evaporation of the moisture from the eyes, making them dry.

• There is significantly little tear and saliva production in autoimmune diseases like Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, etc., due to the abnormal destruction of healthy cells responsible for tear and saliva production by the body's immune system. Conditions like thyroid can also cause dry eyes.

• Eye health is majorly influenced by vitamin A. Its deficiency in the long term develops dry eyes as a symptom.

• Eyelid inflammation can lead to dry eyes as well.

• Nerves are responsible for sending signals when tear production is indicated, which is poor in a diabetic patient due to the high blood sugar levels, leading to dry eyes.

• Tear production deteriorates as a result of aging.

• Dry eyes can appear as a postmenopausal symptom in women.

• Dryness can occur when the tear film is improperly made due to gland dysfunction.

• Certain medications such as beta-blockers and diuretics taken for high blood pressure, antihistamines for allergic reactions, sleeping pills, anti-anxiety medicines, etc., can cause dry eyes as a side effect.

• Specific conditions with limited eye closure or difficulty closing the eye can lead to dry eyes.

What Are the Symptoms That Show Your Eyes Are Dry?

The below symptoms indicate that your eyes might be drier than usual;

• Your eyes keep burning throughout the day.

• Constantly experiencing a scratchy feeling as if something is in your eyes.

• Feeling itchiness and dryness in the eye.

• Blurred vision.

• Eyes becoming sensitive to light.

• The eyelids get stuck onto each other when you wake up from a nap.

• The mucus which appears stringy gets deposited in the eyelids.

• Tired look in the eyes.

• Watery eyes, which might sound odd as a symptom of dry eyes, but when the eyes get highly irritated by the dryness, the nerves send signals to the brain demanding lubrication which leads to profuse watering from the eyes, which usually is not the real tears but water.

How to Prevent Dry Eyes?

Home care for dry eye includes;

• Wearing protection glasses to prevent strain while having screen time or reading a book and sunglasses outdoors to avoid exposure to wind, sunlight, etc.

• Trying to blink frequently when on the phone or computer or while watching television.

• Massaging the eyelids at least twice a day and using warm compression.

• Keep your eyes clean by removing the mucus deposits every morning.

• In the case of vitamin deficiencies, vitamin supplements can be started with modification in the regular diet to favor the required vitamin.

• Drinking water in moderation throughout the day without gulping at a time will promote proper hydration.

• Avoid using the blow dryers facing the eye.

How Is a Dry Eye Diagnosed?

• It is easy to rule out dry eyes by regularly keeping track of the symptoms.

• When consulting an ophthalmologist, giving a detailed history of the condition, diseases you have been diagnosed with, medication you are taking, etc., is needed for a correct diagnosis.

• An ophthalmologist can diagnose it by an eye examination and performing a few tests to rule out how fast your tear secretion is, the quality of the tear, how you blink and how frequently, etc.

How Is Dry Eye Treated?

When there is severe irritation, it is best always to consult an ophthalmologist, and they might suggest treatments like;

• Usage of artificial tears for mild irritations and eye drops or ointments is advised to be used at night, depending on the cause.

• Supplements like Omega-3-fatty acids are advised to correct deficiencies.

• In case of watery eyes, your eye doctor will suggest blocking your tear ducts (small openings in both the eyelids) by placing a temporary punctal plug that dissolves by itself (a silicon plug) and watching for any improvement. If not, the opening is closed with a permanent plug, or surgery is advised in severe cases.

• Your doctor might advise other treatment options based on your history and the in-person evaluation of the eyes.

Conclusion:

Dry eyes are mostly the symptoms of any underlying cause and not a disease by itself. Although dry eyes lack a permanent cure in most cases, they can be managed efficiently using proper eye care and treatment.