Underlying Causes Of Dry Eye Syndrome
Posted on Tuesday, July 27th, 2010 at 1:18 pmThe medical name for dry eye syndrome is keratoconjunctivitis sicca. It is experienced as the lack of sufficient tear production or the productions of tears with low quality. Tear quality is essential to the proper lubrication of the ocular surface which protects from inflammation and infection. Science has discovered several underlying causes and factors that raise the risk of developing this condition.
The first is age. Some lessening of tear production is expected past the of sixty five. More people do experience symptoms than those who do not by the time people have reached their upper sixties. This type of dryness is an expected part of growing older. Applying drops in the morning and evenings as part of a health care ritual may ease any discomfort experienced.
Another cause is gender. Women have a higher risk of developing dryness and the associated conditions due to hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen changes, both during pregnancy and menopause, have been linked to a reduction in the amount and quality of tears. Adding artificial tears regularly may ease discomfort.
Taking other medications may reduce the amount of tears as a side effect. Cold medicines are often the undetected culprit, since people attribute the pain to the cold. High blood pressure medicines and antidepressants are also suspected to contribute to the lessening of tear production.
Besides medications, the medical conditions themselves may be a cause. Changes in thyroid levels, insulin resistance or rheumatoid arthritis have all been linked causally. These conditions change normal hormonal levels to change and that can produce the onset of symptoms. This is the reason that ocular dryness should be mentioned to your doctor so he or she can rule out an untreated medical condition.
Sometimes the problem begins with inflammation of the eyelid. The purpose of the eyelid is to protection and to spread tears to keep the area well lubricated. Problems can arise if the eyelids turn inward or outward. Check eyelids for redness, swelling or tenderness to the touch. Another possible cause is an inflammation on the surface itself.
External factors that can cause dryness and discomfort include living in a dry climate and staring at a computer monitor for long periods of time. Blinking frequently and adding humidity to the air are two things you can do to help yourself avoid dry eye syndrome. Some people experience symptoms from being in air conditioned buildings. If you experience mild discomfort, add drops to your daily self care routine. If the discomfort intensifies, it may be wise to see your doctor for a check up.
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