Related articles: Dry eye
Definition
Dry eye is a rather frequent symptom, which can be associated with burning, itching and a foreign body sensation in the eye. Patients may also report irritation, photophobia (light discomfort), acute stabbing pain and visual cloudiness.
The underlying causes of dry eyes can be numerous. In some cases, this manifestation is due to the poor production or excessive evaporation of the tear film that covers the eye and, as a rule, lubricates and protects it. The quantitative or qualitative alteration of tears can occur in the case of blepharitis, conjunctivitis and other inflammatory diseases of the eye. However, dry eyes can also be caused by the continued use of contact lenses, eye drops or systemic drugs, including antidepressants, beta-blockers, diuretics and anticholinergics.
Other times, the dry eye is the manifestation of incorrectly treated visual problems or systemic diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, insufficient intake of vitamin A, etc.
Advanced age, menopause, prolonged visual efforts and exposure to irritants due to conjunctiva of the eye (very intense sunlight, dry or windy environment, cigarette smoke, atmospheric dust, pollen and dust) can promote dry eyes.
Detail of an eye with dry eye - Taken from: reviewofoptometry.com
Possible Causes * of dry eyes
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Blepharitis
- Primary biliary cirrhosis
- Conjunctivitis
- Herpes zoster oticus
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Menopause
- pinguecula
- Scleroderma
- Dry eye syndrome
- Sjögren syndrome
- Fibromyalgia syndrome
