{"id":8307,"date":"2023-10-23T05:14:01","date_gmt":"2023-10-22T22:14:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=8307"},"modified":"2023-10-23T05:14:01","modified_gmt":"2023-10-22T22:14:01","slug":"the-surprising-causes-of-dry-eyes-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=8307","title":{"rendered":"The Surprising Causes of Dry Eyes You Need To Know"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"drop-cap text-big text-gray\"> <span class=\"drop-cap__first text-dropcap \">W<\/span>hen I hit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/perimenopause-definition\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/perimenopause-definition\/\">perimenopause<\/a>, along with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/mental-health-symptoms-menopause\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/mental-health-symptoms-menopause\/\">hot flashes, mood swings, and other symptoms<\/a>, I began experiencing bouts of blurry vision and eye irritation, almost like someone had kicked sand in my eyes. Because the symptoms would come and go, I didn\u2019t do anything about it until they began affecting my daily life. That\u2019s when I saw an optometrist who diagnosed me with dry eye disease, a condition that occurs when the eyes don\u2019t produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. Had I known the causes of dry eyes, or the warning signs of the disease, I would have sought out treatment sooner.<\/div>\n<p>Today about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aoa.org\/news\/clinical-eye-care\/diseases-and-conditions\/new-study-dry-eye-disease?sso=y\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.aoa.org\/news\/clinical-eye-care\/diseases-and-conditions\/new-study-dry-eye-disease?sso=y\">16 million Americans<\/a> have dry eye disease, which is more common in women than men, especially in those of us over 50\u2014about the age when I started noticing symptoms. Approximately 90 percent of dry eye cases are due to dysfunction of the eyelids\u2019 oil glands (known as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aao.org\/eye-health\/anatomy\/meibomian-glands\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.aao.org\/eye-health\/anatomy\/meibomian-glands\">meibomian glands<\/a>) that cause oil secretions to become too thick or hard to reach the eye surface. Oil is an essential component of tears and without adequate oil, tears evaporate too quickly, and the eye surface becomes dry and inflamed leading to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nei.nih.gov\/learn-about-eye-health\/eye-conditions-and-diseases\/dry-eye\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.nei.nih.gov\/learn-about-eye-health\/eye-conditions-and-diseases\/dry-eye\">symptoms of dry eye disease<\/a> like blurry vision, feeling of a foreign object in the eyes, light sensitivity, and burning, stinging, or redness, says <a href=\"https:\/\/gretnavisionsource.com\/dr-chapman\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/gretnavisionsource.com\/dr-chapman\/\">Cheryl Chapman<\/a>, OD, an optometrist based in Nebraska who specializes in dry eye disease.<\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content \" style=\"\" data-module-init=\"related-content\" data-module-immediate=\"\" v-cloak=\"\">\n<div class=\"related-content__wrapper \" v-cloak=\"\" :class=\"{'is-loaded':isLoaded}\">\n<p> <span class=\"inline pr-6 text-seafoam-dark\">Related Stories<\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <related-content class=\"related-content__links\" parent-article-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/causes-dry-eyes\/\" current-title=\"I Have Dry Eye Disease and if I\u2019d Known Its Causes, I Might Have Been Able To Prevent It\" current-image=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_2023-10-22-175240-425x285_418x278_true_70.webp\" v-on:parsely-posts-loaded=\"onPostsLoaded\" start-date=\"2023-04-22\" tag=\"div\" inline-template=\"\" url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/causes-dry-eyes\/\" secret=\"w5ztterVB03LGZJLfXS0hf3EvQBuFFIWew9hmVQxthU\" apikey=\"wellandgood.com\" limit=\"3\"> <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"related-content__card mb-[10px] sm:mb-[20px]\" :class=\"{'related-content__card--full':posts.length === 1}\" v-for=\"(post, key) in posts\"> <a v-on:click.prevent=\"trackLinkGA($event, key)\" :href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/causes-dry-eyes\/post.url\" data-url-source=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content__link\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content__card--image bg-tan\" :style=\"{ backgroundImage: 'url(' + post.image_url + ')' }\"> <img :src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/causes-dry-eyes\/post.image_url\" :alt=\"post.title\"\/> <\/div>\n<p> <\/a>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <\/related-content> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The reason women in midlife are prone to dry eye is the double whammy of age-related changes in tear production and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/balancing-your-hormones\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/balancing-your-hormones\/\">riding on a hormonal roller coaster<\/a>. \u201cHormonal fluctuations, particularly in women during menopause, can lead to changes in tear production and composition making them more susceptible to dry eye,\u201d says Dr. Chapman.<\/p>\n<p>But that doesn\u2019t mean younger adults don\u2019t need to have the signs, symptoms, and causes of dry eyes on their radar\u2014in fact, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ajo.com\/article\/S0002-9394(19)30047-9\/fulltext#secsectitle0035\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ajo.com\/article\/S0002-9394(19)30047-9\/fulltext#secsectitle0035\">number of dry eye cases has surged<\/a> in all age groups in the past decade or so as other common causes of the disease become more widespread. Those causes, says Dr. Chapman, include long stretches of screen time\u2014staring at screens reduces the frequency of blinking, contributing to dry eye symptoms\u2014environmental conditions including air pollution and dry indoor air, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and thyroid disorders.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe use of medications with dry eye as a side effect has also become more prevalent,\u201d says Dr. Chapman. \u201cAntihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and acne medications such as Accutane are some examples.\u201d Even popular cosmetic procedures like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/what-to-expect-when-you-get-botox\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/what-to-expect-when-you-get-botox\/\">Botox injections<\/a> can disrupt normal tear film production and lead to dry eye, she adds.<\/p>\n<h2>How to prevent dry eye disease<\/h2>\n<p>Dry eye can have a gradual onset, and sometimes symptoms aren\u2019t noticed until damage has already occurred, so the best bet is to prevent the disease in the first place. The best way to do that is through practicing eyelid hygiene (something I wish I\u2019d known 20 years ago) to help the eye\u2019s oil glands function properly, advises Dr. Chapman. Think of it as the eyelid equivalent of brushing your teeth to prevent cavities from occurring down the road.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEyelid hygiene is a set of practices aimed at maintaining the cleanliness and health of the eyelids and the surrounding areas,\u201d says Dr. Chapman, who is the co-founder of <a href=\"https:\/\/peeqpro.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/peeqpro.com\/\">Peeq Pro<\/a>, a direct-to-patient subscription program with products designed to make eyelid hygiene more accessible. \u201cProper eyelid hygiene is essential for overall eye health and can play a crucial role in preventing and managing dry eye syndrome. Eyelid hygiene is an important component of the overall management of dry eye, especially when meibomian gland dysfunction and inflammation of the eyelids, or blepharitis, are contributing factors to the condition.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>Dr. Chapman\u2019s tips for a good eyelid hygiene routine<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>Clean your eyelids regularly to remove debris, oils, and bacteria. (Dr. Chapman recommends using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/OCuSOFT-Hypochlorous-Associated-Blepharitis-Dysfunction\/dp\/B013M57VZG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/OCuSOFT-Hypochlorous-Associated-Blepharitis-Dysfunction\/dp\/B013M57VZG\">hypochlorous solutions<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/peeqpro.com\/products\/peeq-pro-eyelid-facial-cleanser?selling_plan=705265716&amp;variant=40948635664436\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/peeqpro.com\/products\/peeq-pro-eyelid-facial-cleanser?selling_plan=705265716&amp;variant=40948635664436\">Peeq Pro Eyelid &amp; Facial Cleanser<\/a>, or the <a href=\"https:\/\/peeqpro.com\/products\/waiva\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/peeqpro.com\/products\/waiva\">Peeq Pro Waiva Eyelid Cleaning Kit<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>Apply warm compresses to the eyelids to soften oil secretions and prevent tear evaporation<\/li>\n<li>Massage the eyelids with warm compresses to help express and move oil gland secretions<\/li>\n<li>Remove eye makeup properly and gently, and avoid using harsh cleansers around the eyes<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>What to do if you&#8217;ve been diagnosed with dry eyes<\/h2>\n<p>Although I wish I\u2019d known about dry eye prevention before I developed the condition, now I\u2019ll be making sure to do my best to keep the disease in a holding pattern by making eyelid care as regular a part of my daily routine as brushing my teeth and washing my face because left untreated, dry eye can lead to infections, decreased vision, and corneal damage or scarring.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDry eye is typically a chronic condition, and it may not have a permanent cure in the traditional sense,\u201d she says. \u201cHowever, the symptoms and discomfort associated with dry eye can often be managed effectively, and the condition&#8217;s progression can be slowed or even halted in some cases. The goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms, improve tear film quality, and enhance overall eye health.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Dry eye is easily diagnosed by an eye doctor during an exam. They can also discuss additional therapies including artificial tears, prescription medications, and in-office treatments to unclog the oil glands.<\/p>\n<div class=\"block-thin post-citations mt-[40px] mb-[30px]\" data-module-init=\"main-2020\/post-citations\" data-module-immediate=\"true\">\n<hr class=\"!border-seafoam-dark mb-[24px]\"\/>\n<div class=\"post-citations-content flex flex-col gap-[24px]\">\n<p>Well+Good articles reference scientific, reliable, recent, robust studies to back up the information we share. You can trust us along your wellness journey.<\/p>\n<div>\n<ol class=\"!ml-[18px] !mt-0\">\n<li>\n              Reza, Dana et. al. <em>Estimated Prevalence and Incidence of Dry Eye Disease Based on Coding Analysis of a Large, All-age United States Health Care System<\/em>. vol. 202, <em>American Journal of Opthamology<\/em>, 2019, https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.ajo.2019.01.026.            <\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<hr class=\"!border-seafoam-dark mt-[24px]\"\/>\n  <\/div>\n<div class=\"disclaimers__after_content mb-[18px] mt-[16px] pt-[16px]\">\n<div class=\"outline-earmark relative mt-[8px] pt-[10px] pl-[20px]\">\n<p>\n            Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.          <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1675549\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When I hit perimenopause, along with the hot flashes, mood swings, and other symptoms, I began experiencing bouts of blurry vision and eye irritation, almost like someone had kicked sand in my eyes. Because the symptoms would come and go, I didn\u2019t do anything about it until they began affecting my daily life. That\u2019s when &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":8308,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8307","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8307","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=8307"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8307\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8308"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=8307"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=8307"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=8307"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}