Causes and Symptoms of Chronic Dry Eyes
Dry eyes indicate that the tear glands are underproducing or have malfunctioned. Tears contain mucus, antibodies, water, and oil that nourish, lubricate, and protect eyes from bacterial infections. The condition is common among older adults, but it can also affect younger people. Dry eyes cause discomforts, such as blurred vision and excess watering in your eyes. Read on to discover some causes and symptoms of chronic dry eyes: 1. Aging Individuals above 65 years are likely to suffer from dry eyes. Specifically, up to 30% of older adults suffer from chronic dry eyes, but women are more likely to suffer from the disorder compared to men. The difference could be explained by the fact that women are more likely to suffer from dry eyes due to hormonal imbalance. 2. Medical conditions Dry eyes are a common problem for people suffering from certain medical conditions. For instance, patients who have Sjogren’s syndrome are vulnerable to dry eyes. The syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that infects and damages glands that lubricate and moisturize eyes, among other parts. 3. Some medications Patients using medications, such as antidepressants, hypertension, decongestants, and antihistamines, are likely to experience dry eyes. Patients with a history of experiencing dry eyes should share concerns with their doctor.