Dry eye condition, the medical name for which keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a prolonged syndrome that is very common today. Its primary causes are the absence of the required lubrication and wetness in the eye. This dry eye syndrome ends up causing swelling and damaging of the front portion of the eye. Identifying the causes of dry eye symptoms is really important because dry eyes is not as rare as one would believe it to be. It is actually one of the biggest causes behind frequent checkups to the ophthalmologist.

In fact, it has come to the notice of the public, thanks to a poll on the internet, that 48% of the adult population of the country has frequent eye problems, the roots of which can be traced to dry eye condition. Yet another poll from a few years ago has made us aware of the fact that more than 26 million people in the country are suffering from this syndrome. Additionally, it has also been noted that this number is bound to reach approximately 30 million in the coming years. Accompanying research has revealed that Americans who are aged 50 and above suffer from a more dire case of this dry eye syndrome. It has also been seen that this condition affects women nearly half as more as that in men.

Causes of dry eye symptoms

Before we dive into the symptoms, it is necessary to be aware of the reasons behind the dry eye condition. The causes for dry eye can be,

• Activities like using the computer for prolonged hours
  This is a big reason as using the computer or any similar tech device means that there is more strain on the eyes. It also means that there is less blinking, which adds to the risk of being affected by dry eye syndrome.

• Habits like wearing contact lens
  Though this is something that differs from person to person, it is seen that prolonged use of contact lenses causes discomfort to the eye. This may end up causing dry eyes.

• Ageing
  Though this is a condition that can affect the eyes at any age, it is generally observed that it becomes more frequent amongst people who are more than 50 years old.

• Menopause
  As has been previously stated, women suffer from dry eye syndrome more commonly than men. It is seen that women who have gone through menopause are more prone to contracting dry eyes than male counterparts belonging to the same age group.

• Indoor environment
  Eyes are really sensitive and can be affected by the condition at home. Factors like air conditioning or indoor heating can cause moisture evaporation, thereby leading to dry eye syndrome.

• Outdoor environment
  On the other hand, external environment can be equally harmful to the eye. Windy or dry climates magnify the possibility of having dry eye symptom.

• Frequent flying
  The air inside flights lack moisture. This ends up causing dry eyes amongst people, especially those who fly frequently and are, thus, in planes for quite a while.

• Cigarette smoking
  It has been seen that cigarette smoking is the cause of several eye problems including dry eyes due to the smoke that is produced.

• Health conditions
  It has also been seen that people suffering from health conditions like diabetes, lupus, thyroid, and arthritis are more vulnerable to dry eye symptoms.

• Medications
  Medications like antidepressants and birth control tablets do end up exaggerating the chances of you contracting dry eye condition and noticeable dry eye symptoms.

Identifying dry eye symptoms

Some of the primary dry eye symptoms include the following:

• You experience a burning sensation in your eyes.
• Your eyes itch a lot.
• There is a lot of aching in your eyes.
• Your eyes feel heavy.
• There is a lot of eye fatigue,
• coupled with eye soreness.
• Dryness of eyes is experienced.
• The eyes become red in color.
• Light sensitivity (also known as photophobia) occurs.
• Vision is increasingly hazy.
• You feel like there is dirt or some particle, which is stuck in your eye – this is also known as foreign body sensation.
• Reflex tearing causes eyes to moisten, making them watery.

These tell-tale dry eye symptoms notify you that something is wrong with your eyes. Neglecting these signs means neglecting your health and, in turn, yourself. Dry eyes have been known to cause permanent scarring to the superficial layer of the eye this is definitely not something to be taken lightly. Therefore, do not be indifferent to the problem and take a step today. Turn about your lifestyle and live a better life!