What Causes Dry Eye and How Can It Be Treated?

Dry eye is a common condition that affects many people in Tucson and can significantly impact quality of life. It occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Understanding what causes dry eye and the available treatment options can help you find relief and protect your long-term eye health.
 

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a condition that occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for maintaining eye health, providing moisture, and protecting the surface of the eyes. When the tear film becomes unstable or inadequate, it can lead to symptoms like irritation, redness, burning, blurred vision, or a gritty sensation. Dry eye can range from a mild nuisance to a chronic condition that affects daily activities such as reading, driving, or using a computer.
 

Common Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye can result from a variety of factors. One of the most common is age. As we get older, tear production naturally decreases, making dry eye more prevalent in adults over the age of 50.
 

Environmental factors also play a role. Living in a dry or windy climate or being exposed to elements like air conditioning, fans, or smoke can cause your tears to evaporate more quickly, leading to dryness and discomfort.
 

Digital device use is another frequent contributor. When using screens for extended periods, we tend to blink less often. This reduced blinking disrupts the normal spread of tears across the surface of the eye, resulting in dry, strained eyes.
 

Certain medical conditions can increase the risk of dry eye. These include diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, and lupus. Additionally, some medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications can interfere with tear production.
 

Hormonal changes, particularly those that occur during pregnancy, menopause, or while taking hormone therapy, can affect the balance of tear production and lead to dryness.
 

Additionally, long-term contact lens wear may also contribute to dry eye by disturbing the natural tear film or causing irritation to the eye’s surface over time.
 

How Dry Eye Is Treated

The right treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. At Marana Eye Care, we offer a range of options to relieve discomfort and restore healthy tear function.
 

Artificial tears and eye drops are often the first line of treatment. Over-the-counter lubricating drops can help relieve mild symptoms. For more persistent cases, we may recommend prescription drops designed to reduce inflammation or boost natural tear production.
 

Lid hygiene and warm compresses are helpful for managing meibomian gland dysfunction, a common cause of dry eye. Gently cleaning your eyelids and applying warm compresses can improve oil flow and reduce irritation.
 

For more advanced cases, we may use punctal plugs, which are tiny devices inserted into the tear ducts. These plugs help conserve your natural tears by preventing them from draining away too quickly.
 

Lastly, lifestyle adjustments can make a big difference. Using a humidifier, taking regular screen breaks, staying hydrated, and protecting your eyes with sunglasses when outdoors can all help manage and prevent dry eye symptoms.
 

Get Relief from Dry Eye at Marana Eye Care

Dry eye can be frustrating, but you do not have to live with the discomfort. At Marana Eye Care, we are committed to identifying the underlying cause and providing a personalized treatment plan to bring you lasting relief.
 

If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, schedule a consultation and find the right treatment for your needs. Visit our office in Tucson, Arizona, or call (520) 337-2300 to book an appointment today.