Top 5 Causes of Dry Eye

Whether you're dealing with itchy eyes, a burning sensation or a sensitivity to light, dry eyes can be very uncomfortable. Our eye doctors at Michigan Eyecare Institute can treat your dry eye and help you find relief. With locations in Southfield, Livonia, and Dearborn, we make it easy for you to get the quality eye care you need. Let’s look at some of the reasons that people experience dry eye.

1. Environmental Factors

A variety of environmental factors can make your eyes dry, including weather conditions and uninterrupted screen time. When you visit an optometrist at one of our locations, we will learn more about your lifestyle so that we can identify things that could be contributing to your dry eye.

2. Aging

As we grow older, our tear glands produce fewer tears, which makes it harder for our eyes to stay moist. Adjusting your eye care as you age is the best way to avoid these kinds of symptoms.

3. Hormone Changes

Pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal birth control can all cause hormonal changes in the body. These hormonal shifts could leave you with itchy or dry eyes. While these changes are usually temporary, it's still smart to treat your symptoms.

4. Allergies

While itchy eyes are a common allergy symptom, allergies can also make your eyes dry. Dry eyes are a common side effect of oral antihistamines. Allergies can also irritate the eye tissue, causing your eyes to produce fewer tears.

5. Health Conditions

In some cases, having dry eyes can be a sign of a serious health issue. For example, Sjogren's Syndrome is a rare autoimmune condition that affects tear ducts. Many other medical conditions can make your eyes dry, including thyroid disorders, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Make an Appointment with One of Our Optometrists

The symptoms of dry eye can be uncomfortable, which is why you should talk to an eye doctor about your dry, red, and irritated eyes. Our team at Michigan Eyecare Institute will work with you to find a treatment that relieves your symptoms. Visit one of our locations in Southfield, Dearborn, or Livonia, MI. Call our team today or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.