Diseases that may be associated with dry eyes include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sjogren’s Syndrome, Diabetes, Asthma, Thyroid disease, Lupus, and possibly Glaucoma.
Dry eye syndrome affects 75% of people over age 65. Tear volume decreases from age 18 as much as 60% by age 65. Treatment options vary and can be determined based upon the type of dry eye and the age of the patient.
Hormonal changes cause decreased tear production brought on by pregnancy, lactation, menstruation, and menopause.
Medications that can cause dry eyes are antibiotics, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, diuretics, over-the-counter vasoconstrictors such as Visine, antihistamines, birth control pills, appetite suppressants, and ulcer medications.
Computer Use causes most people to blink less frequently (about 7 times per minute vs. a normal rate of around 22 times/minute). This leads to increased evaporation along with the fatigue and eye-strain associated with staring at a computer monitor. Any task requiring a great deal of concentration can result in decreased blink rate.
If your eyes are constantly itchy or dry, you may have dry eye syndrome (DES). The doctors at Tucker-Kudrna-Holec-Young Eye Care Centre are specialists in DES and have many different treatment options to consider.
The first step is to have a dry eye examination and diagnostic test to determine the amount of tear deficiency and possibly the inflammatory issues associated with your condition. The doctor will also review your environment issues associate with your dry eye condition through an office visit with our patient counselors and doctors.