Why Are My Eyes So Dry? 8 Common Causes

Dry eye is a common disease that affects about 30% of Canadians. The causes of dry eyes can often be surprising to hear. People often ask me “Why are my eyes so dry?” Here are eight common causes of dry eyes, of which you could have one or more reasons as to why your eyes are dry.

1. Screen use and reduced blinking

Studies show that screen use is linked to a reduced blinking rate of 50-70% below normal. Blinking is an important reflex our eye uses to squeeze out healthy oils from the oil glands in our eyelids. This reduction in blink rate leads to increased evaporation of tears.

2. Meibomian gland dysfunction

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is when your eyelid glands are either not producing  healthy oils or they are unable to release the meibum or oil efficiently. This can be from a multitude of causes including inflammatory processes or a reduction in blink rate.  

3. Contact lenses

Contact lenses, especially hydrogel contact lenses do not allow enough oxygen permeability to your cornea, and also absorb some water from your tear film which  makes your eye dry. This is also why it is important to  get a proper contact lens fitting with your optometrist  to  check what type of lenses will be the best fit for your eyes. 

4. Hormonal changes 

Women tend to have higher rates of dry eye disease than men, possibly due to the hormonal changes that women go through on a monthly basis. Women also have huge shifts in hormones when they go through menopause and pregnancy. Birth control medication has also been shown to contribute to dry eyes. 

5. Medications

Medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants and especially isotretinoin (Accutane) have been shown to increase dryness in the eyes. People who take more than a 6 month course of Accutane should be consulting their optometrist for dry eye therapy.  

6. Age

As we get older, our eyes change in shape and our meibomian glands are not working as they used to. At times, there is also some atrophy of meibomian glands and not just in the integrity of the oil. 

7. Eyelid and skin conditions 

Inflammatory processes such as rosacea and blepharitis have been related to higher rates of MGD. Ocular rosacea presents as red blood vessels around the eyelids in fair-skinned individuals. This can improve immensely with treatments such as IPL. 

8. Environment

Environments have also been shown to exacerbate dry eyes. In winter, heating in households and at work can dry your eyes out. Being out in windy areas can also make our eyes water.  

When it's more than "just dry eyes."

If your eyes are very red, have yellow purulent discharge or have significant pain you should seek urgent care as soon as possible, especially if you are a contact lens wearer. 

What you can try at home

At home therapy includes omega-3 supplementation, over-the-counter dry eye drops and eyelid wipes. If you have meibomian gland dysfunction you will benefit from daily hot compresses as well. Not all eye drops are equal and not all hot compresses work equivalently. 

Frequently asked questions

Can dry eyes affect my vision?

• Yes, having dry eyes can affect the clarity of your vision and present fluctuating vision throughout the day. 

Is dry eye permanent? Can it be fixed? 

• Dry eye disease is a chronic disease that can be controlled. However, it does require some self-care after in-office treatments end. 

Will I ever be able to wear contact lenses again?

• Yes, with proper treatment, many patients are able to return to contact lens wear. 

Book your dry eye consult

Call Lunaris Vision & Optometry clinic at 416-436-2048 or Book a dry eye consult. We are located in East Toronto in the Riverside neighborhood at 779 Queen St E. Looking forward to seeing you! 

Sources:

https://uwaterloo.ca/optometry-vision-science/news/what-you-should-know-about-dry-eye