Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry Eye Syndrome can be caused by many factors. These include age, genetics, environment, lifestyle, medications, and the overall medical health of your eyes. Regardless of which factor(s) contribute to your Dry Eye Syndrome, the result is a situation where your eyes are either not producing enough tears to keep your eyes lubricated, or the tears are not formulated with the correct balance of water, lipids, and mucous to maintain proper lubrication.

This results in the sore, gritty, and painful condition we call Dry Eye Syndrome. Sometimes, basic lifestyle and dietary changes can prevent and even alleviate the symptoms.

Medical Procedures That Can Cause Dry Eye
Eye surgery, injury, and radiation therapy are the most common medical procedures that can result in dry eyes. If you have ever undergone any medical procedure on or near your eyes, received radiation therapy, or if you notice that your eyes are getting dryer, contact us. The Dry Eye Treatment Center At Family Eye Care Center Of Atlanta has advanced techniques and experience in diagnosing and treating Dry Eye Syndrome.

Dry Eyes After Eye Surgery

Complications from certain medical procedures will very often result in Dry Eye Syndrome. This is especially true for eye surgery, whether due to an injury or medical condition, or elective surgery such as LASIK. Whenever parts of the eye are cut, it is very easy to damage the tear ducts or the meibomian glands —which are essential for producing the lipids (oils) in your tears.

Dry Eyes After Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy or Orbital Radiotherapy very frequently results in Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye Syndrome, a form of dry eyes that results from a reduction in tear production.

Diabetes, Lupus Arthritis, Thyroid Disorders, And Dry Eye Syndrome

Diabetes and Dry Eyes

Diabetes can lead to dry eyes because of nerve neuropathy. Essentially, the nerves that control the tear ducts stop functioning properly resulting in decreased tear production.

Lupus Arthritis and Dry Eye

Lupus Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can affect the nerves and prevent the tear ducts from producing sufficient tear volume.

Thyroid Disorders and Dry Eyes

The thyroid maintains the hormonal and metabolic balance throughout the body. Therefore, a diseased thyroid alters the metabolism of the entire body —and the eyes are no exception. Both overactive and underactive thyroid conditions can result in dry eyes.

Medications That Cause Dry Eye

There are many medications out there that can cause dry eye. The causes range anywhere from a reduction in the functionality of the tear ducts to a decrease in the amount of water in the body. This includes:

• Diuretics

• Decongestants

• Antihistamines

• Anticholinergics

• Antidepressants

• Hormones

• Hypertension medication

• Dermatological agents

• Lortab (acetaminophen and hydrocodone)

• Ibuprofen (Advil)
  
  

Always let us know what medications you are taking, whether over-the-counter or prescription. This will help us better assess and treat your Dry Eye Syndrome.

Hormonal Changes That Result In Dry Eye

Sharp changes in your body’s hormone levels will often result in an inflammatory response which can result in dry, irritated eyes. Below are some common reasons why people undergo hormonal changes that often cause Dry Eye Syndrome. You don’t have to suffer from dry eyes in silence. Dr. Takeia Locke at the Dry Eye Treatment Center At Family Eye Care Center Of Atlanta will conduct a full assessment and develop a custom treatment plan that’s right for you.

Birth Control and Dry Eyes

Hormonal birth control alters the body’s hormone balance, particularly progesterone. Examples of contraceptives containing hormones include birth control pills, patches, vaginal rings, and certain types of IUDs.

These can cause similar hormonal changes as pregnancy and therefore, can also result in decreased tear production. Less tears means the greater the likelihood that Dry Eye will develop.

If you notice any symptoms such as dryness, itching, burning, or blurriness, you may have Dry Eyes. Fortunately, there are various methods of treating the condition that won’t interfere with your birth control regimen.

Pregnancy and Dry Eye

Just as with many changes that occur in pregnancy, vision changes during this time are usually temporary. You may experience blurred vision, itchiness, burning, or discomfort when wearing contact lenses. Sensitivity to light may begin to affect you as well.

This is quite common and is caused by the hormonal changes in your body. It is often experienced during the end of the first trimester, when the hormones are most active. These hormones can decrease the amount of natural moisture in the eye, leading to Dry Eye. The condition can last throughout the pregnancy, during postpartum recovery, and while the mother is breastfeeding.

Many pregnant women find that applying a warm cloth to their eyes for a few minutes can give them some relief. Others may be advised to use artificial tears during this time. Switching to eyeglasses can also relieve some of the discomfort caused by wearing contacts during the pregnancy and through the first few weeks of postpartum recovery.

Menopause and Dry Eye

Similar to pregnancy, menopausal women also experience changes in their hormones. When going through menopause, your body produces less progesterone, estrogen, and androgens. The latest research indicates that androgens directly affect the delicate balance of tear production. Fewer androgens means the body will produce fewer tears, resulting in Dry Eye. Since women already have less androgens than men, post-menopausal women are particularly susceptible to dry eyes.

The exact treatment for Dry Eye during the menopausal years is a matter of debate. While many eye care practitioners believe that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can alleviate Dry Eyes during menopause, others believe it may increase it. All agree that managing Dry Eye for women during menopause requires a customized treatment plan. Personal lifestyle, time spent outdoors, medication, and nutrition can all play a role in a woman’s health and can impact Dry Eyes.

Seasonal Changes, Allergies, Environment, And Dry Eye

Anytime the seasons change— particularly spring, summer, and fall— there’s a high amount of allergens in the air. The autoimmune response to these allergens often results in inflammation and dry eyes. Seasonal dry eyes causes a feeling of grittiness or itching in the eye which can be most uncomfortable, and producing fewer tears can potentially lead to infections or more serious problems.

Cold Weather and Dry Eyes

Cold weather usually means windy, harsh conditions outside—and the likelihood that you are spending most of your time indoors, exposed to heating systems on a regular basis. Ironically, it’s this constant exposure to dry, heated air in cold weather which causes inflamed, itchy eyes other symptoms associated with Dry Eye Syndrome.

Heat And Dry Eye

Hot temperatures, particularly when the humidity is very low (a dry environment), causes your tears to evaporate at a higher rate. This can result in dry, itchy eyes.

Altitude And Dry Eyes

As your altitude increases, the air becomes dryer. What’s more, higher altitude usually means more intense sunlight and wind speeds, which all cause your tears to evaporate at a faster than normal rate, thus potentially resulting in dry eyes.