Top 5 Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eyes can occur for a number of reasons, with aging being a major factor. As people get older, tear production tends to decrease. Our Westminster, CO, optometrists at Family Vision Center are here to help you with dry eye treatment and information. Here are the 5 most common causes and risks for dry eyes.

1. Wearing Contact Lenses

If you have had corrective refractive surgery or wear contacts you may suffer from dry eye. Contacts can dry out the eyes due to the thin lenses limiting oxygen flow to the eyes. This can cause them to struggle to produce natural tears leading to dryer eyes.

2. Decreased Tear Production

Another cause of dry eyes is when the eyes simply do not create enough tears. This condition is medically referred to as keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Decreased tear production can result from certain medical conditions including:

•           Sjogren's syndrome

•           Allergic eye disease

•           Lupus

•           Rheumatoid arthritis

•           Scleroderma

•           Graft vs. host disease

•           Thyroid disorders

•           Sarcoidosis

•           Vitamin A deficiency

4. Increased Tear Evaporation

The evaporation of tears is another major cause of dry eyes. Tears start to quickly evaporate when clogs in the meibomian glands occur reducing the amount of oil in your tears. This leads to increased tear evaporation and dryness. Blocked meibomian glands tend to be more common in individuals with skin disorders like rosacea. Let your eye care professional know about any skin condition you have.

5. Cosmetic Eyelid Lift Surgery

If you had eyelid surgery for cosmetic purposes, your risks are increased for suffering from dry eye. This surgery is also known as blepharoplasty and can impact the entire face significantly. This procedure is not suitable for everyone. Particularly, for those already dealing with dry eyes. The surgery can cause side effects that include a lower blink rate, which can cause dry eyes during your recovery and make the condition worse.

Seek Relief from Our Eye Doctors Near You in Westminster, CO

Our optometrists at Family Vision Center in Westminster, CO, can help you discover the causes of dry eyes and help with treatment. We offer a variety of services including dry eye treatment, eye exams, eyeglasses, contacts, and more. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.