Why Are My Eyes So Dry?

Suffering from dry eye or dry eyes is a common condition that affects many people. There are many reasons behind the condition—but, happily, once the cause is diagnosed then there’s usually something that can be done to help.However, there are rare occasions when dry eyes can be a symptom of a rarer and more serious condition, making it imperative that you seek expert advice should you suffer any abnormal symptoms to your vision The following looks at the reasons behind dry eyes and some of the main causes.

A (Short) Lesson in Why You Might be Suffering from Dry Eyes

• It’s all about tears

It’s all about tears

Dry eye is caused by the eye’s inability to create an adequate amount of lubrication—or, in some cases, creating an excessive level of poor-quality lubrication. That lubrication is what we commonly refer to as tears.If it’s that the tears aren’t of sufficient quality, you might find that your eyes are overly watery. While this seems to be the opposite of dry eye, it’s actually very common.

Conditions that Cause Dry Eyes

• Dry Eye: a condition in its own right

Dry Eye: a condition in its own right

That’s right—dry eye is a recognized condition and can have many causes. Some of these are:

• Allergies
• Exposure to environmental factors, such as dry air, wind, or smoke
• Reduced blinking. This can happen when you’re concentrating, staring at a computer screen, or by certain medical conditions, such as Parkinson’s.
• The use of some eye drops, as these contain preservatives that can reduce the level that your tears evaporate
• Problems with the eyelids that cause them to turn inwards or outwards
• A condition called posterior blepharitis
• Wearing contact lenses
• Post-laser vision corrective surgery
• Being vitamin A deficient

In addition, the risk of developing dry eyes increases with age and is more commonly found in women. The latter is due to hormonal changes commonly experienced during menopause, pregnancy, or through using hormonal contraception.

A Word About Macular Degeneration

• Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (dry AMD)

Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (dry AMD)

You should be sure not to confuse dry eye with a condition known as dry age-related macular degeneration or Dry AMD. This is a serious condition that affects the cells of the macula. Over many years, these die off and aren’t replaced with new ones. While the condition progresses slowly, it is sight-threatening. Sadly, there’s currently no definitive treatment for Dry AMD, although there are mechanisms that can be followed to help those who suffer live with the condition.Another form of AMD is known as Wet AMD, which—although equally as serious—can be treated with either injections or laser. Whether wet or dry AMD, it’s imperative that such a condition is diagnosed as early as possible. Therefore if you suffer any symptoms, you should immediately contact an ophthalmologist.Symptoms include:

• Gaps appear in your vision, especially in the morning. This might also present as dark spots
• Difficulty in moving from dark to light environments
• Straight lines appearing bent or distorted
• Colors fading
• Words disappear when reading

Worried About Dry Eyes or Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration? Contact the WBEC Today

In most cases, dry eye is a treatable condition that can be managed in partnership with a great ophthalmologist. At the West Boca Eye Center, the highly experienced clinicians work with patients to first diagnose the cause and then follow a stepwise approach to treatment. For anyone who is experiencing even the mildest of dry (or wet) AMD symptoms, it’s vital to seek immediate help. Such serious conditions are best managed by experts in this field. Dr. Brent Bellotte’s academic-grade eye clinic offers the ultimate treatment and management options.  Discover more at https://westbocaeyecenter.com/services/macular-degeneration/