Understanding the 5 Health Conditions Connected to Dry Eye
Any person who has ever experienced dry eyes will attest that it’s an uncomfortable condition. Although dry eyes are often attributed to climate or extended periods using mobile devices, the reality is that dry eye syndrome can develop due to other health conditions. Although you may be receiving treatment for this contributing health issue, it’s essential to understand that you can also take advantage of treatment options specific to dry eyes.
What Health Conditions Contribute to Dry Eye Syndrome?
It’s important to understand that dry eye syndrome can develop for one of two reasons. The first is decreased tear production. Several health conditions can cause decreased tear production, such as:
- Sjogren’s Syndrome
Sjogren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that can directly impact your eyes. Two of the common symptoms associated with Sjogren’s Syndrome are dry mouth and dry eyes. Although there isn’t a cure for Sjogren’s Syndrome, a person struggling with this condition can take advantage of dry eye treatments to relieve the effects of Sjogren’s Syndrome. - Blepharitis
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, resulting in a burning or gritty sensation in the eye. Blepharitis can have several causes, including skin conditions such as rosacea, scalp dandruff, or bacteria. There are two types of blepharitis. The first is anterior blepharitis which occurs where the eyelashes attach, and posterior blepharitis, which impacts the meibomian glands. - Diabetes
People who have both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are highly susceptible to dry eye syndrome due to high blood sugars. High blood sugar can cause ocular nerve damage, leading to decreased tear production and impaired healing of the ocular surface. Although keeping your blood sugar in check can reduce the possibility of dry eye syndrome, if you have diabetes, it’s imperative to have routine visits with your eye doctor. - Rheumatoid arthritis
When a person thinks of rheumatoid arthritis, they often associate the symptoms of this condition with joint stiffness. Although rheumatoid arthritis can trigger joint stiffness, one of the lesser-known results of developing rheumatoid arthritis is dry eye. Inflammation in your body can result in inflammation of the ocular surface, so people with rheumatoid arthritis are particularly prone to dry eye. - Vitamin A deficiency
Dry eyes are one of the most common symptoms associated with a Vitamin A deficiency. If your body isn’t receiving enough natural sources of Vitamin A through foods such as tomatoes, milk, eggs and other fruits, your body will struggle to produce tears which results in a lack of ocular hydration.
It’s important not to overlook that there may be other contributing factors to your dry eye over and above some health conditions. For example, the older that you get, the higher the possibility that you could struggle with dry eye. A decrease in corneal nerve sensitivities, tear production and tear quality could also prove to be contributing factors.
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Treatment Options for Dry Eye Syndrome
If you have an underlying health issue that contributes to your dry eye syndrome, that health concern is something that should always be addressed in unison with your primary doctor. However, our doctors can offer several dry eye treatment options to ease the discomfort associated with dry eyes. Here are some of the dry eye treatments that are available:
- Tear Care
- LipiFlow
- Scleral lenses
- BlephEx Treatment
- Advanced ZocuShield Cleanse
When you come in for your appointment, your eye doctor will explain this range of treatment options to you to have a comprehensive understanding of the right one for you.
Book Your Appointment to Address Your Dry Eyes Today
Our eye doctors can help you live a better quality of life by providing dry eye treatment options. We encourage you to get in touch with us today to talk about the health issues that could be exacerbating your dry eye syndrome and what we can do to help improve your eye health.
Testimonial from Melissa, Dry Eye Patient
This is the best place I’ve ever been to for my eyes. Dr Kramer is amazing. She really gives time to her patients and gives the best advice. Everyone here is friendly and attentive. If you have dry eyes and/or blepharitis like I do, this place will save your eyes!