A dry eye is caused by a lack of quality tears. Your tears are a mixture of fatty oils, mucus, and water. This mixture protects the surface of your eyes from irritants and infection. There are many causes of dry eye, but visiting Broadway Eye Clinic in Salt Lake City, UT, can help you get to the bottom of your condition.

Decreased Tear Production

Dry eyes happen when you can’t produce enough tears. Common causes of decreased tear production include certain medical conditions, aging, taking some medications, laser surgery, and tear gland damage.

Eyelid Problems

Every time you blink, your eyelids spread a thin film of tears across the surface of the eyes. Many people blink about five times in one minute. Eyelid problems that can affect blinking can cause dry eyes. Eyelid problems include where the eyelids turn outward or inward. Inflammation along the edges of an eyelid can also cause dry eyes.

Medications

Many medications can affect tear production and cause dry eyes. Some of these medications include diuretics, antihistamines, decongestants, sleeping pills, birth control pills, antidepressants, and some acne drugs.

Imbalance in Tear Composition

Since the tear film has three layers, problems within any layer can cause dry eye. For example, the oil film that is produced by different small glands on the edge of the eyelids can become clogged. This condition is common in people with inflammation along the edge of the eyelids or other skin disorders.

Environmental Factors

There are plenty of environmental factors that contribute to dry eyes. These include a dry climate, wind, sun, or other types of blowing air. Air in an airplane cabin can cause an issue, as can smoke, high altitude, or the use of contact lenses. Using a computer or driving a vehicle can also slow down your blinking rate so that your eyes become even drier.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Eye Doctor in Salt Lake City, UT

Those who have dry eyes can have a range of symptoms, including burning or stinging, redness in the eye, having a hard time keeping eyes open, eye fatigue, and sensitivity to light. For dry eye relief, contact Broadway Eye Clinic today at (801) 322-0467 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our eye doctor.