Do you have issues with your eye health? Do you regularly wonder, ‘why are my eyes so dry?’
You’re not alone, and allergies are not the only reason for the appearance of dry eye symptoms.
Continue reading to learn why you may be suffering from dry and itchy eyes.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
Healthy eyes are always full of tears, no matter if you’re happy or sad. A mixture of water, oil, and mucus makes up a tear. But sometimes, this incredible tear system that keeps your eyes working well can become imbalanced.
Many people with dry eyes suffer from allergies, but there are various other reasons people are affected.
Household Appliances
If you’re not sure what is causing your dry and itchy eyes, pay attention to appliances that affect the air in your home. Air conditioners or heaters can often cause a chemical imbalance in your tear system.
Drug Side Effects
Many drugs come with a range of side effects, which can often impair your eye health. Antihistamines, antidepressants, acne control, birth control, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can all affect your ability to make tears.
The Aging Process
Various parts of your body may begin to break down as you get older. Some people suffer dry eyes as they age, especially women as they go through menopause. A large body of evidence shows that people have a greater probability of suffering from dry eyes as they get older.
Other Social Factors
As well as aging, other social factors can cause dry and itchy eyes. Too much screen time and a lack of sleep can both lead to dry eye symptoms, while smoking and drinking alcohol can also affect your ability to make tears. A vitamin A deficiency is also linked to bad eye health.
Contact Lenses
In some instances, contact lenses can obstruct oxygen to the cornea. Using these improper lenses for an extended period of time can increase the risk of dry eyes.
Certain contact lenses are designed for people with dry eyes, so speak to your optician about making the switch.
Certain Diseases
You may suffer from dry and itchy eyes if you’re already suffering from certain conditions such as blepharitis, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, or lupus. These diseases, as well as many others, can lead to a decrease in the production of tears.
This course offers expert information on dry and itchy eyes if you want to know more about the subject.
Why Are My Eyes So Dry? Wonder No More
There are many factors that can cause dry eyes. Examine your habits and daily routine. Maybe there’s an obvious reason for your tired and dry eyes, or perhaps it’s a combination of two or three.
Hopefully we’ve helped you answer that frustrating question: Why are my eyes so dry? Take a look at more great health blogs on our site if you enjoyed this article.