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Dry Eyes Can Be Caused By These Diseases

ByWITS ZEN Editor's Desk

Dry eyes is one of the most commonly diagnosed eye disorders. Dry eyes are primarily caused when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the tears they produce are not lubricating enough.

The symptoms of dry eyes include a burning or itching sensation accompanied by light sensitivity. Dry eyes can also cause redness and a feeling like you have grit stuck in your eyes.

This Disorder May Be A Manifestation Of The Following Diseases:

1. Thyroid Eye Disease

Thyroid Eye Disease

Thyroid eye disease is an autoimmune condition in which the immune cells attack the thyroid gland. The gland responds by secreting an excess amount of thyroid hormone, which leads to an increase in your metabolism.

Your eyes become a vulnerable target for an autoimmune attack. An autoimmune disorder often preys on the proteins in your eye cells that are similar to those of the thyroid gland. This leads to your eyes producing insufficient tears.

 

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause an autoimmune disorder, and it primarily results in swollen and painful joints. Just like how thyroid eye disease leads to an autoimmune attack, rheumatoid arthritis affects the eyes and causes dry eyes.

 

3. Diabetes

Diabetes

Diabetes can affect your eyes in many ways. A high level of glucose can cause swelling around the tissues of your eyes and create blurred vision. Diabetes also causes the nerves around the eyes to slow down the production of the lacrimal (tear) gland.

 

4. Lupus

Lupus can trigger autoimmune antibodies that cause a dramatic reduction in the water component of tears and disrupt the production of mucus.

 

5. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes like menopause can cause dry eyes. There is a link between the low production of androgens and estrogen that happens because of menopause, which leads to less production of mucus in the eye cells. This, in turn, causes dry eyes.

 

6. Previous Eye Surgery

Previous Eye Surgery

If you have had an eye surgery previously like LASIK or cataract, you can be more susceptible to dry eyes.

This is because in LASIK eye surgery, some nerves of the cornea are cut, which means your eye cannot sense the need for lubrication. Due to this, your eye will produce fewer tears, which leads to dry eye syndrome.

If You Are Susceptible To Any Of These Systemic Problems That Can Contribute To Dry Eyes, Then Its Best To Take A Few Preventive Measures, Like These:

  • Take regular breaks when you are staring at your computer screen, phone screen, or even the television. After every hour, a 20-second break must be mandatory.
  • Add walnuts and fish to your diet since they both contain omega-3 acids. They help lubricate the oily tear layer.
    Try and not use a hairdryer.
  • Stay away from warm rooms in winter and remember to use a dehumidifier.
  • If you sleep with the fan on, use eye drops.

If you think you have dry eyes, it is best to consult an ophthalmologist who can help figure out the best treatment plan for you.

Author Bio:

Aaron Barriga is the online marketing manager for Insight Vision Center. With a knack for understanding medical procedures, and an interest in eye and vision health, Aaron loves to share what he knows and what he learns.

He blogs to inform readers about the latest eye care technology and other topics related to eye care, especially LASIK. Aaron loves collecting coasters from the different bars and restaurants he visits during his travels.

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