What Causes Dry Eye

Many things can cause dry eye, and some people have more than one cause behind it. Dry eye can be uncomfortable, but there are ways to treat it and relieve the discomfort. If you are suffering from dry eye, it's time to see an optometrist. Contact Crystal Clear Optometry in McAllen to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ramirez. Let’s look at some of the causes of dry eye.

Environmental Causes

Several things in your environment can cause dry eye. If you spend a lot of time outdoors in the wind, especially if you run or bike, you are getting a lot of wind contact with your eyes. This can cause the tear film that lubricates your eyes to dry up too quickly, leaving your eyes too dry to be comfortable. It's recommended to wear sunglasses when you are outdoors to avoid this problem. Other things that can do this include dry winter air, being in a room with a lot of air-conditioning, and having a fan blowing toward you.

Medical Causes

There are also a lot of medical causes that can be behind this eye condition. Certain medical conditions like diabetes can cause the eyes to become too dry. It can also be caused by any of several common medications. Things like antidepressants and allergy medications can lead to dry eye as can other medications. Check the side effects of the medications you take to determine if that is the cause.

Computer Time

More and more jobs require people to spend long hours in front of computer screens. This kind of work can take a toll on the eyes, causing both eye strain and dry eye. When people are looking at a screen, they don't blink as much as they otherwise would. This makes the tear film evaporate too quickly and leaves the eyes dry. It's important to take frequent breaks from looking at screens to try to avoid this problem.

Get Your Next Eye Exam in McAllen, TX

When your eyes are dry and uncomfortable, you need to visit an optometrist for an eye exam and to receive proper dry eye treatment. Call our team at Crystal Clear Optometry today at (956) 687-6567 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ramirez.