A long list of factors can contribute to dry eye, such as:
- Rapid tear evaporation
- Strain from looking at a digital screen for prolonged periods
- Allergies
- Hormonal fluctuation (especially during menopause or pregnancy)
- Inflamed eyelids
- Dry or windy weather
- Medication use (including some antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants)
- Older age (dry eye is most common among seniors)
- Smoke exposure
- Medical conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- Heat or air conditioning
- Insufficient blinking
For many patients, dry eye develops due to a variety of factors rather than a single cause. If environmental factors are to blame, you may be able to make some lifestyle adjustments to conquer dry eye. However, if those do not relieve your ocular discomfort, you are likely a good candidate for treatment.
About half of Americans with dry eye do not seek treatment for the condition. It is unnecessary to suffer from this discomfort — nowadays, there are multiple treatment options that can help to hydrate your eyes.
Sometimes the solution is as easy as lubricating eye drops. If you have a more serious case of dry eye, you may need medicated eyedrops to help stimulate new tears and overcome corneal inflammation.
Our knowledgeable team of eye doctors have a variety of tips and treatments to minimize the discomfort you experience due to chronic dry eye. To improve your quality of life, schedule a consultation to find a solution that will work for you. Please call 360-424-2020 today.
