When the Sahara Hits Your Eye Sockets: Learn Why You Have Dry Eyes

Dry eyes can be due to an underlying health condition, transient body changes, or bad lifestyle habits. Managing dry eyes on time is critical to eye health and vision. Prolonged dry eyes can impact your vision and quality of life. Scientifically called dry eye disease (DED). In India, the prevalence of dry eyes is greater than the global average, varying between 18.4% and 54.3%, as per a study. Therefore, it is important to determine the risk factors that lead to dry eyes and to know how to prevent them.

Dry eye syndrome (DES), also called dry eye disease (DED) or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), is a complex condition affecting the eye surface that leads to discomfort and can hinder vision.

There is either less production of tears or the tears secreted are not sufficient or effective to keep the external surface of the eye moist and lubricated. 

Some common scenarios that may put a person at risk of developing dry eyes:

• Dry eyes are common at 50 years or above, with a higher prevalence for females. The lacrimal glands responsible for tear production become less efficient with age, and the composition of the tears changes. This affects tear film functionality and causes the tears to evaporate quickly. 
• Prolonged use of contact lenses
• It is a symptom of certain autoimmune conditions like lupus or Sjögren syndrome.
• Menopause marks a significant decrease in the production of oestrogen and progesterone (female hormones), which are associated with tear production. This is correlated with severe dry eye episodes. 
• Post-surgical complications of common eye surgeries for cataracts, refractive correction, etc.

What causes dry eyes:

• Skin diseases around the eyes, like eczema and rosacea
• Major diseases like diabetes, dry mouth (xerostomia), gut issues, etc.
• Long-term use of medicines prescribed for high blood pressure, allergies, and mental illness
• Environmental factors are by far the most common reason for dryness of eyes that inflicts people of all ages. They include:
• Air pollution from smoke and dust particles from industries and car emissions
• Frequent use of indoor air conditioning without a humidifier
• Heating systems in homes, offices, and public spaces
• Low exposure to sunlight — a stimulant for tear production
• Eating nutrient-deficient foods that lack eye-health-related nutrients like vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids
• Prolonged screen time with smartphones, PCs, tablets, and televisions reduces the frequency of blinking, which in turn, decreases tear production, causing dry eyes. Blue light from screens is a known contributor to sleep insufficiency — dry eyes can worsen with poor-quality sleep and rest. 

Tears or the fluids secreted from the eye glands are instrumental to eye health. Here’s why:

Tears have three layers: an oily layer that prevents the visible surface of the eyes from drying out, a watery layer that cleans the eyes, and a mucus layer that helps the tears spread evenly. 

When we blink, these tears spread across the eye to keep it smooth and clear — key for good vision.

Eyes normally produce tears continuously; however, if tear production or any layer is interrupted due to the above factors, dry eyes occur.

Some telltale signs and symptoms of dry eyes are:

• Stinging or burning sensations in the eyes
• Irritation and the need to rub or blink often
• Pain in certain cases
• Tired eyes
• Mild redness
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurry vision 

It is imperative to consult a doctor for any eye-related irritation. While the doctor can best diagnose the root cause of dry eyes and prescribe suitable eye drops to lubricate them, personal eye hygiene must also be followed. This includes:

• Taking regular breaks from screen usage by following the 20-20-20 rule — looking at an object situated at a distance of 20 feet from you for 20 seconds every 20 minutes — proves to be highly effective
• Eye protection with blue-filter glasses and sunglasses is a must
• Humidifiers inside the room can restore the humidity of the environment
• A nutritious diet that includes vitamins A, D, and omega-3 fatty acids along with adequate hydration, contributes to the restoration of eye health.

Dr Monteiro Grancy Vijayraj, consultant surgeon at St Joseph's Mission Hospital Mananthavady, adds, “The sensation can be one of pricking or sticking type. Occasionally, patients present with redness or eyes and itching. You can also have stringy mucus secretions and a foreign body sensation in the eyes. You must get your eyes checked every year if you have a family history of eye disease, skin issues, or long screen time to catch dry eyes early.”

Learning how to manage dry eyes is a journey. It takes time and discipline. Remember that it is difficult to suddenly switch lifestyles in a fast-paced urban setting. Thus, we have to work towards adapting to them in an eye-friendly manner while working closely with our healthcare practitioners.

Dry eyes can be managed with the right treatment by a certified healthcare professional and through simple lifestyle changes like frequent breaks from screen time, eating healthy, drinking enough water, sleeping well, and using protective eyewear.

Indeed, dry eyes can cause blurry vision because there is a lack of the protective and lubricating layer on the eye's surface.

Dry eyes are caused by many factors like age, hormonal changes in women, excessive screen time, exposure to harsh sunlight and air pollution, dry home environments, and skin conditions like eczema around the eyes.

Dry eyes can happen with deficiencies of vitamins A and D.