What Causes Dry Eyes All of a Sudden? Causes of Dry and Irritated Eyes!

Do you feel your eyes burning, hurting like something has entered your eyes, or your vision getting blurry? 

If yes then you might be having a dry eye disease. Dry eyes is a common eye disorder that affects about millions of people globally. 

Keep reading to delve deeper into the causes of dry eyes.

What is a dry eye?

Your eyes require tears to stay lubricated. When your eyes do not produce less tears, your eyes loose hydration and lubrication and this uncomfortable condition is called dry eye. 

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What are the symptoms of a dry eye?

Dry eyes can have symptoms like:

• Burning eyes
• Red eyes
• Sore and irritated eyes
• Feeling like something has entered you eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision
• Excessive tearing
• Inflamed eyelids
• And difficulty wearing contact lenses.

If you experience these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor for treatment. 

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What are the causes of a dry eye?

Dry eyes can occur in hot and scorching summers and also in dry winters. But, dry eye is mainly caused by three reasons. Let's have a look into it:

• Your eyes are lubricated and protected by the tear film which is made of 3 layers which include: the water base that is tear, the oily base and the mucus. If there is a problem with any of these layers then it can lead to dry eyes. 
• If your tear glands are not producing enough tear, your eyes cannot be lubricated and lead to dry eyes. Older people usually make less tears due to hormonal changes. A dry eye can be experienced by both men and women. But women, especially those who have gone through menopause, are more prone to dry eyes.
• If the meibomian glands which produce oily substance that prevents eyes from getting dry, are not working well, then it can also lead to dry eyes.

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Some other factors which can be held responsible for dry eyes are:

• Diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis,  thyroid  and lupus.
• Swelling or redness in eyelids.
• Climatic conditions like dry weather.
• Constantly looking at a digital screen for a long duration, reading and other activities that reduce blinking.
• Frequent and longer use of contact lenses.
• Having eye surgery.
• Use certain medicines, like diuretics, beta-blockers, antihistamines, sleeping pills, anxiety and antidepressant medicines, medicines for heartburn.

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