Dry Eye Syndrome Causes: Understanding the Root of Your Discomfort
- Posted
- Medically Reviewed by Mr Mfazo Hove Consultant Ophthalmologist
- Author: Chris Dunnington
- Published: February 24, 2025
At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic on Harley Street, London, we often encounter patients struggling with the discomfort of Dry Eye Syndrome. This common condition, also known as Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca or dry eye syndrome disease, can significantly impact your quality of life. But what causes dry eye syndrome? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various factors that contribute to this uncomfortable condition.
Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome
Before delving into the causes, it’s essential to understand what Dry Eye Syndrome is. This condition occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. The result is a lack of proper lubrication, leading to discomfort and potential damage to the eye’s surface.
Primary Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome
- Age-Related Changes
As we age, our bodies undergo various changes, and our eyes are no exception. Many people, especially those over 50, experience a decrease in tear production. This reduction is often more pronounced in women, particularly after menopause, due to hormonal changes.
- Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
The Meibomian glands, located in your eyelids, produce the oily component of your tears. When these glands don’t function properly, it leads to a condition called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). MGD is a leading cause of evaporative dry eye, where tears evaporate too quickly from the eye’s surface.
- Environmental Factors
Your surroundings play a significant role in eye health. Dry eye syndrome causes often include:
- Low humidity environments: Air conditioning, central heating, and dry climates can accelerate tear evaporation.
- Windy conditions: Increased air movement across the eye can cause tears to evaporate more quickly.
- Prolonged screen time: Staring at computer screens, smartphones, or televisions for extended periods can reduce blink rate, leading to increased tear evaporation.
- Medications
Certain medications can contribute to dry eye symptoms. These include:
- Antihistamines
- Antidepressants
- Decongestants
- Beta-blockers
- Diuretics
- Some acne treatments
If you’re taking any of these medications and experiencing dry eye symptoms, consult with your healthcare provider about potential alternatives.
- Medical Conditions
Several medical conditions can cause or exacerbate Dry Eye Syndrome:
- Autoimmune disorders: Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus can affect tear production.
- Thyroid disorders: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can impact tear production and quality.
- Diabetes: This condition can affect nerve function, potentially leading to decreased tear production.
- Contact Lens Wear
Long-term use of contact lenses can contribute to dry eye symptoms. Contact lenses can interfere with the natural tear film and reduce oxygen flow to the eye’s surface.
- Eyelid Problems
Conditions affecting the eyelids can also lead to dry eyes:
- Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids can disrupt the function of the Meibomian glands.
- Ectropion or entropion: These conditions, where the eyelid turns outward or inward respectively, can affect tear distribution and drainage.
- Nutritional Deficiencies
A diet low in omega-3 fatty acids or vitamin A can contribute to dry eye symptoms. These nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy tear production and quality.
- Hormonal Changes
Hormonal imbalances or changes can affect tear production. This is particularly noticeable in women during pregnancy, while using oral contraceptives, or going through menopause.
- Laser Eye Surgery
It’s important to note that laser eye surgery can cause dry eyes. While for most patients this is transient and they remain asymptomatic, in 1-2% of cases, it lasts longer than 6 months and requires intensive treatment.
For our laser eye surgery patients, we provide:
- Steroid eye drops for one week
- Lubricant eye drops for as long as needed
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) Aftercare
PRK patients receive more extensive post-operative care:
- Steroid eye drops for one month
- Lubricant eye drops for as long as needed
Intra-Ocular Surgery Aftercare
For all intra-ocular surgeries, we supply:
- 6 weeks of post-operative drops, including both steroids and NSAIDs
Our Commitment to Your Recovery
At Blue Fin Vision®, we supply all post-operative medications for our surgery patients for the duration of their use. This comprehensive approach ensures that you have access to the necessary treatments without additional cost or inconvenience.
If you experience severe dry eye syndrome post-laser eye surgery, we provide the best medical therapy at no additional cost to you. This commitment to patient care is part of our ethos, which contributes to our excellent outcomes:
- Post-operative uveitis rate is less than 1%
- Post-operative cystoid macular oedema (CMO) is less than 0.1%
The Impact of Lifestyle on Dry Eye Syndrome
Your daily habits can significantly influence your eye health. Some lifestyle factors that can contribute to dry eye syndrome include:
- Smoking: Tobacco smoke can irritate the eyes and exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
- Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can lead to dehydration, affecting tear production.
- Insufficient sleep: Lack of proper rest can impact overall eye health and tear production.
- Poor blinking habits: Especially when focusing on screens, reduced blinking can lead to increased tear evaporation.
Recognising the Signs: When to Seek Help
Understanding what causes dry eye syndrome is crucial, but it’s equally important to recognise when to seek professional help. If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms such as:
- Burning or stinging sensation in your eyes
- Feeling of grittiness or foreign body sensation
- Excessive tearing followed by periods of dryness
- Blurred vision that improves with blinking
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
It’s time to consult with an eye care specialist. At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic in London, our expert team is equipped with the latest technology to diagnose and treat Dry Eye Syndrome effectively.
Why Choose Blue Fin Vision® for Dry Eye Treatment?
Located in the heart of London’s medical district on Harley Street, Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic offers state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatments for Dry Eye Syndrome. Our experienced ophthalmologists understand the complex nature of this condition and provide personalised care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
We offer:
- Comprehensive eye examinations to determine the root cause of your dry eye symptoms
- Advanced diagnostic tools to assess tear quality and quantity
- Customised treatment plans that address your specific dry eye causes
- Access to the latest treatments and therapies for Dry Eye Syndrome
Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Eye Health
Dry Eye Syndrome can be a frustrating and uncomfortable condition, but understanding its causes is the first step towards effective management. By identifying the factors contributing to your symptoms, you can work with your eye care professional to develop a targeted treatment plan.
At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic, we’re committed to helping our patients achieve optimal eye health and comfort. If you’re struggling with dry eye symptoms, don’t let them impact your quality of life any longer. Contact our Harley Street clinic today to schedule a comprehensive eye examination and take the first step towards relief from Dry Eye Syndrome.
Remember, your eye health is our priority. Trust the experts at Blue Fin Vision® to provide the care and expertise you need for comfortable, healthy eyes.
