Causes of Chronic Dry Eyes
Your eyes are among the greatest assets you own, but they are often taken for granted. The only time people really understand the true worth of their eyesight is when their eyes start to give them trouble. Many Americans suffer from chronic dry eyes and are in desperate search of the root cause. In fact, studies state that nearly 48 percent of Americans aged 18 years and above face this issue, making it one of the most common health problems in the country. In this article, we list the top causes of chronic dry eyes.
What causes chronic dry eyes?
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Contact lenses
Your beloved contact lenses could be one of the causes of chronic dry eyes for you. Long-term use of contact lenses is believed to eventually lead to dry eyes among users.
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Exposure to smoke
Constant exposure to smoke may lead to dry eyes. Smoke dries out the natural lubrication in the eyes and leads to dryness, itchiness, swelling, and redness. An easy solution to this issue is to wear protective glasses while working. The glasses prevent the smoke from coming in contact with the eyes. An added advantage is that the eyes are also protected from infections caused by carbon particles that float up with the smoke.
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Air conditioning
Many of you may be shocked to read this, but air conditioning may also lead to dryness of eyes. Heating systems too can cause this by decreasing the humidity levels in the room, which eventually causes dry eyes.
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Medication
Dry eyes may be a side effect of a medication you’ve been taking. Birth control pills, antidepressants, and blood pressure regulatory medications have been known to cause dry eyes as a side effect.
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Insufficient tear production
Human eyes naturally have a tear film that coats the eyes to protect them from drying out. A tear film is made up of, well, tears–essentially water, fatty oils, proteins, electrolytes etc. Hormonal imbalances in the body sometimes cause the tear production to be adversely affected. This leads to lower protection on account of a weak tear film and eventually leads to dry eyes.
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Excessive use of computers
Most of us are required to use computers throughout the day; add to that our dependence on mobile phones. We’re constantly using electronic devices, and this puts immense strain on the eyes. Using computers and mobile phones for long hours every day tires the eyes and causes them to become dehydrated. The problem is lifestyle related and can, thus, be treated with minor changes to one’s lifestyle. Taking multiple short breaks from computers and phones during the day gives your eyes much-needed rest. Meditation is also known to be helpful in giving a break to your eyes.
It is very difficult to lead a normal life when you’re riddled with frequent bouts of dry eyes. If you are one of the thousands of people who suffer from this affliction, you should contact your doctor right away and seek treatment. When it comes to your health, you must cut no corners and take no chances.
