Dry eyes is a common condition that many people experience. Your eyes may become dry, red, and inflamed, and some people also experience discomfort and sensitivity to light. There are more than 3 million cases of dry eyes in the U.S. per year, which means there is a lot of information about the condition and how to treat it.

What Causes Dry Eyes?

Several factors and diseases can cause dry eyes. Dry eyes are a result of a lack of adequate tears, and tears are made up of a mixture of water, fatty oils, and mucus. Tears help to make the surface of your eyes smooth and clear, helping you to avoid eye infections and irritation. Decreased tear production or an increased tear evaporation and imbalance in the makeup of your tears are two common causes of dry eyes. Other factors contributing to dry eyes can include:

• Aging
  
• Medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome, thyroid disorders, and vitamin A deficiency
  
• Medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, hormone replacement therapy, antidepressants, drugs for high blood pressure, acne, and birth control
  
• Laser eye surgery (symptoms usually temporary)
  
• Tear gland damage from inflammation or radiation

Find Dry Eye Relief

There is treatment for this type of condition. Common forms of treatment include prescription and lubricating eye drops to reduce dryness. There are products available for purchase at drug stores, including artificial tears, and eye drops. Dr. Lee and associates can also prescribe medical eye drops to make patients more comfortable and reduce symptoms. If you feel you have dry eyes, please call us today to schedule an appointment.