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. The medical experts can prescribe drugs that can alleviate eye discomfort.

4. Increased tear evaporation
An individual may suffer from increased evaporation of tears when exposed to dry conditions, smoke, and windy weather.

5. Tear gland damage
Production of tears can reduce if the tear glands are damaged. Some of the common causes of tear glands malfunction include exposure to radiation and physical injury on an eye.

6. Hormonal imbalance
Women can also experience symptoms of chronic dry eyes due to hormonal imbalance that may originate from the use of some contraceptives, menopause effect, and pregnancy.

7. Contact lens wear
Individuals who wear contact lenses for extended periods are likely to suffer from chronic dry eyes frequently.

8. Severe allergies
You might experience dry eyes after taking some types of foods, drugs, and beverages. Allergies are an autoimmune response to the introduction of certain elements in the body.

9. LASIK eye surgery
This surgical procedure uses refractive light to operate the eye to remove unwanted parts. Eye dryness is a side effect of the surgical operation.

10. Limited blinking
If you suffer from a condition that can reduce your ability to blink, you are susceptible to suffering from chronic dry eyes too. If so, take screen time breaks and be conscious to blink more often.

11. Symptoms of chronic dry eye
The leading indicators that you are suffering from chronic dry eyes include:

• Eye redness
• Light sensitivity
• Eye fatigue and fuzzy vision
• Increased production of stringy mucus in and around the eyes
• A scratchy or burning sensation in the eyes
• Eye inflammation
• Inability to drive at night
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses
• Gritty feeling (as if you have solid particles in the eyes)