Are your eyes dry and itchy? Are they uncomfortable and sensitive to bright lights?
Dry eyes can be a symptom of seasonal allergies. If you suffer from dry eyes year round then you could have dry eye syndrome.
When you have dry eye syndrome, there are certain factors that can make your symptoms worse. These factors can be environmental, as well as part of natural body processes.
Keep reading for 7 things that could be making your eyes feel dry!
1. Poor Tear Production
Dry eye syndrome is primarily caused by either your eyes not producing enough tears or the tears produced being low-quality. Poor quality tears are tears that do not provide enough moisture for your eyes.
Tears are vital in providing moisture for your eyes. They keep them from getting dry and irritated.
Artificial tears and eye drops can be a solution if you aren’t producing enough tears. They can also help if your eyes produce low-quality tears.
You do not need a prescription for them and they can help bring you some relief.
2. Aging
Dry eye syndrome affects people of all ages but it’s most common if you’re 50 and older. This is because as you age, your tear production can decrease.
Low tear production is the primary cause of dry eye syndrome.
3. Dry Environments
A dry indoor environment can make your eyes feel dry. Forced air systems can make your environment dry.
Try to avoid sitting in an area that is directly in the path of air vents. A humidifier can help to add moisture to indoor environments.
This can help ease dry eye symptoms caused by dry indoor environments.
4. Wind
If you’re outside and it’s windy, this can make your eyes dry. Cover up your face, especially your eyes, if you go outside on a windy day.
5. Prescription Medications
Certain prescription medications can affect how much mucus your eyes produce. This is a necessary component if you want your eyes to be able to produce high-quality tears.
Medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, diuretics, and beta-blockers can affect your mucus production.
Talk with your doctor about symptom relief if you are taking one of these medications. They could be worsening your dry eye symptoms.
6. Blue Light
Computer screens emit a type of artificial UV light called “blue light.” This can make your eyes dry.
If you spend a lot of time in front of screens like on a computer, this can make your eyes feel dry or cause irritation. If you wear glasses, consider buying a pair that will block blue light.
This is helpful if your job requires you to spend a lot of time looking at screens. You can also buy computer glasses if you don’t wear prescription glasses. These are eyeglasses that are specifically designed to block blue light.
7. Vitamin A Deficiency
A diet rich in vitamin A is recommended for healthy eyes. This includes eating plenty of eggs, fish, carrots, spinach, and broccoli.
Are you suffering from dry eyes? The first step to finding relief is to schedule an eye exam. Request an appointment at Westlake Eye Specialists in Austin, TX!
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