What causes dry eyes ?

Unfortunately there is no simple answer to this question. Dry eyes is a complex condition.

First, each person is different and the causes that led to dry eyes can be very different from one person to the other. What you need to remember is that there are two types of dry eyes, the qualitative and quantitative dry eye.

Qualitative dry eye is the most common form. It is due to rapid evaporation of the tear film due to poor quality of tears produced. Symptoms vary but generally include a red eye, tired, sensitive, feeling sand in the eyes, irritation and eye inflammation. This type of dry eye is often associated with a condition called meibomian gland dysfunction.

Quantitative dry eye, which is much less common, is often due to an inflammatory condition. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus can cause this type of dry eye. See your doctor! Do not hesitate to ask any questions or concerns with your doctor.
In other words, dry eye syndrome is a condition where your eyes are unable to produce enough of their own natural tears or your tears just evaporate too quickly. This can lead to your eyes drying out and becoming inflamed.

Dry eye syndrome can be caused by heredity or illnesses such as systemic diseases. It can also be triggered by the use of certain medications, the aging process, dry or windy climates, central heating and air conditioning, overhead fans and computer use. Contact lens wearers can also suffer, through a lack of blinking and for those with eye lids that do not fully close.

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition and millions of peoples suffers from it at some point during their lives. It can be mild or severe. So don’t forget… you are not alone.