What Are the Main Causes of Dry Eye? Long-Term Prevention Tips and Options

Living in Covington, Louisiana means enjoying a warm, Southern climate - but it can also bring unique challenges when it comes to eye health. Many residents experience dry, irritated eyes due to environmental conditions, allergies, or increased screen time. Dry eye syndrome can affect your comfort, focus, and long-term vision. Understanding what causes dry eye and how to manage it can help you protect your eyes and maintain a higher quality of life.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for keeping the surface of the eyes smooth, clear, and comfortable. When this delicate balance is disrupted, it can lead to symptoms like burning, stinging, redness, blurred vision, and a gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes. Left untreated, dry eye can impact daily activities such as reading, driving, and using digital devices - and may lead to more serious eye health issues over time.

Common Causes of Dry Eye

• Aging: As we get older, tear production naturally decreases. People over the age of 50 are especially prone to developing dry eye symptoms.

• Screen Time and Digital Eye Strain: Staring at screens for extended periods reduces your blink rate, which can cause your tears to evaporate too quickly and lead to dryness.

• Environmental Conditions: Wind, dry air, smoke, and air conditioning can all contribute to faster tear evaporation, triggering or worsening dry eye.

• Contact Lenses: Wearing contact lenses (especially for long hours) can interfere with tear film stability and irritate the eyes.

• Medications: Certain medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs can reduce tear production.

• Medical Conditions: Autoimmune disorders like Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes can all be linked to dry eye.

• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women during pregnancy, menopause, or while taking birth control, can impact tear production.

• Eye Surgery: Procedures such as LASIK or cataract surgery may temporarily or permanently affect the nerves in the eye, leading to reduced tear production.

Long-Term Prevention Tips and Treatment Options

• Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: For every 20 minutes of screen time, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps reduce eye strain and supports healthy blinking.

• Use Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can help maintain moisture. For chronic cases, preservative-free options are often recommended.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support overall hydration and tear production.

• Use a Humidifier: Adding moisture to indoor air can help combat dryness caused by heaters or air conditioning.

• Improve Your Diet: A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like flaxseeds, walnuts, or fatty fish) can help improve the quality of your tears.

• Wear Protective Eyewear: Wraparound sunglasses or glasses with side shields can protect your eyes from wind and dry air.

• Seek In-Office Treatments: Advanced therapies such as punctal plugs, meibomian gland expression, and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy may offer longer-term relief for chronic dry eye sufferers.

• Get Regular Eye Exams: Routine exams can help detect dry eye early and allow for personalized treatment options before symptoms worsen.

Protect Your Eyes with Expert Care

Dry eye can can affect your comfort, focus, and overall eye health if left unmanaged. By understanding the underlying causes and taking proactive steps, you can protect your eyes and maintain clear, comfortable vision for the long haul.

If you're experiencing symptoms of dry eye, schedule a consultation at Eyewear Society for personalized care and advanced treatment options tailored to your needs. Visit our office in Covington, Louisiana, or call (985) 893-2722 to book an appointment today.