Dry eyes are usually caused by a problem with tear production — either the chemical balance of the tears is incorrect or the eyes are not producing enough tears. Either of these situations can be a cause of dry eyes. Dry eyes are also sometimes associated with other medical conditions such as dehydration and sleep disorders. In addition, some types of medication can cause the eyes to feel dry and scratchy. Most of the time, the cause of dry eyes may not be a serious medical condition, but can sometimes signal other more serious conditions.
A healthy eye has a liquid film that covers the surface, referred to as the “tear film.” This film consists of oil, water, and mucus. These three elements should be chemically balanced, and when they are not, the eye can feel dry and uncomfortable, even though it is often still wet. Doctors usually treat this cause of dry eyes with drops designed to help balance the elements in eye film.
Another common cause of dry eyes is lack of tear production. This can be caused by a number of factors, but is usually the result of a stopped up tear duct. Sometimes this condition can be reversed at home, without medical treatment. This home remedy involves massaging the skin just below the tear ducts for a few minutes, and repeating the massage several times per day. Physicians typically administer the same procedure, along with prescription eye drops.
Sometimes dry eyes can be caused by tear ducts that flow too freely. In these instances, too many tears are created at one time, which causes the eye to reflexively drain them all away. Sometimes, to correct this problem, tear ducts may be partially closed. This is usually done by using tiny plugs made of silicone to create partial blockage of the duct. Another method is called thermal cauterization, which is done by inserting a hot wire into the tear duct to shrink duct tissue. This is typically a painful procedure that requires anesthesia.
For dry eyes that are the result of environmental issues, lack of sleep, or dehydration, sometimes over-the-counter eye drops will clear up the condition. Dry eyes caused by issues such as these are generally considered temporary, and probably will not require a visit to the doctor. If over-the-counter treatments do not help, it is probably a good idea to see a physician to find out if a more serious condition exists.
