Dry eye is a common condition that affects many people, leading to discomfort, redness, and sometimes even vision problems. Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears, or the tears they make aren’t the right quality. While dry eye is often linked to environmental factors such as too much screen time or wearing contact lenses, underlying medical conditions can also cause it. At Lighthouse Vision, we provide comprehensive dry eye care in Milford that considers all potential causes of dry eye. Let’s explore how certain health conditions might contribute to your dry eyes and what you can do to find relief.
Health conditions that might be causing your dry eyes
There are a few common health issues that can lead to dry eye by affecting tear production or quality:
Autoimmune diseases
Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis can cause your immune system to mistakenly attack healthy cells and tissues in your body. If you have Sjögren’s syndrome, it can target your tear glands, leaving your eyes dry and uncomfortable. Other autoimmune diseases can cause inflammation that affects the glands around your eyes, making it harder for your eyes to stay moist.
Diabetes
Diabetes can affect many parts of your body, including your eyes. High blood sugar levels can damage your tear glands, leading to dry eye symptoms. If you have diabetes, it’s essential to keep an eye on any changes in your vision or eye comfort.
Thyroid disorders
Thyroid conditions, like hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, can cause changes in your eyes that lead to dry eye. These conditions can affect the muscles and tissues around the eyes, causing inflammation or eyelid problems that increase tear evaporation or decrease tear production.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause or with the use of birth control pills, can affect your tear composition and production. Hormones play a significant role in maintaining the tear film, and fluctuations in your hormone levels can lead to dry eye symptoms.
Medications
Many medications can have dry eye as a side effect. If you’re taking antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, or meds for Parkinson’s disease, they might be contributing to your dry eye. If you think this might be the case, talk to your doctor about possible alternatives or ways to manage your symptoms.
Neurological conditions
Neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Bell’s palsy, and other nerve disorders can affect the nerves and muscles around your eyes, impacting how often you blink or how well you can produce tears. Less blinking means more tear evaporation, which can lead to dry eyes.
How Lighthouse Vision can help
Dry eye can be more than just a nuisance; it can significantly impact your quality of life. At Lighthouse Vision, we can determine the exact cause of your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan to provide relief and improve your overall eye health. Our eye doctor in Milford will conduct a thorough assessment, considering both environmental and medical factors that might be contributing to your dry eye. Depending on the exact cause, he may recommend treatment options such as prescription eye drops, lifestyle changes, or OptiLight IPL therapy. Rather than masking the symptoms, we will focus on addressing the underlying causes of dry eyes for more effective, long-term relief.
If you think an underlying medical condition might be causing your dry eye, don’t wait to get help. Reach out to Lighthouse Vision in Milford, CT, or schedule an appointment online today. We’ll help you find relief and keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.
