What Is the Major Cause of Dry Eyes?
The most common cause of dry eye disease is often meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). This condition develops when the small oil-producing glands along the eyelids become blocked or stop working properly.
These glands produce the oily layer of the tear film. Without enough healthy oil, tears evaporate too quickly and leave the surface of the eye dry, irritated, and unstable. This is known as evaporative dry eye.
However, dry eye is usually multifactorial. Some people have more than one contributing issue, such as poor tear quality, reduced tear production, prolonged screen use, certain medications, or environmental exposure.
How Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Causes Dry Eyes
A healthy tear film contains three essential components:
- An oily outer layer that slows evaporation
- A watery middle layer that moisturizes the eye
- A mucus layer that helps tears spread evenly
The meibomian glands produce the oily outer layer. When their openings become clogged, the oil may become too thick or may not reach the eye’s surface. Tears then evaporate more rapidly, even if the eyes produce a normal amount of watery tears.
Meibomian gland dysfunction is considered a leading cause of dry eye disease. The American Academy of Ophthalmology explains that blocked or poorly functioning meibomian glands can prevent tears from receiving the oil they need to remain stable.
What Causes Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
Several factors can interfere with the normal function of the eyelid glands, including:
- Aging
- Blepharitis or chronic eyelid inflammation
- Rosacea and other skin conditions
- Infrequent or incomplete blinking
- Prolonged computer and smartphone use
- Contact lens wear
- Certain medications
- Hormonal changes
- Dry, windy, or smoky environments
Because Las Vegas has a particularly dry climate, evaporation can occur quickly and make existing tear-film problems more noticeable.
Other Common Causes of Dry Eyes
Although MGD is a major cause, dry eye can also occur when the lacrimal glands do not produce enough watery tears. This is called aqueous-deficient dry eye.
Other possible causes and risk factors include:
Age
Tear production commonly decreases with age. Dry eye is especially common in adults over age 50.
Screen Use
People tend to blink less frequently while looking at computers, phones, and tablets. Reduced blinking allows tears to evaporate and may prevent the eyelid glands from releasing oil normally.
Medications
Dry eye may be associated with medications used for allergies, colds, depression, high blood pressure, and other health conditions. Do not discontinue a prescribed medication without consulting the prescribing healthcare provider.
Health Conditions
Diabetes, thyroid disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Sjögren syndrome may contribute to dry eye symptoms.
Contact Lenses
Contact lenses can affect the tear film and may increase dryness, particularly when worn for extended periods.
Eye Surgery
Some patients temporarily experience reduced tear production or increased dryness following LASIK or other eye procedures.
Environmental Conditions
Wind, smoke, air conditioning, low humidity, and desert heat can make tears evaporate more quickly. The National Eye Institute identifies both environmental exposure and prolonged screen use as potential causes of dry eye. National Eye Institute
What Are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?
Dry eye does not always feel like simple dryness. Symptoms may include:
- Burning or stinging
- Redness
- A gritty or sandy sensation
- Feeling as though something is in the eye
- Intermittent blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye fatigue
- Stringy mucus
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Excessive watering
Watery eyes can be a sign of dry eye. When the eye’s surface becomes irritated, it may produce a large volume of reflex tears. These tears are often too watery to provide lasting lubrication.
Dry Eye Evaluation in Las Vegas
Dry eye is not caused by the same problem in every patient. At Meadows Eye Physicians & Surgeons, our eye doctors can examine your tear film, eyelids, and eye surface to identify contributing factors and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
If dry, irritated, or watery eyes are interfering with your daily activities, contact Meadows Eye to schedule an evaluation.
Call Meadows Eye Physicians & Surgeons at (702) 358-0472 to schedule an appointment.