[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/what-causes-dry-eyes\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/what-causes-dry-eyes\/","headline":"What causes dry eyes?","name":"What causes dry eyes?","description":"Wondering what causes dry eyes? Discover the most common causes and how to find relief.\r\n","datePublished":"2025-02-24","dateModified":"2025-02-24","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/author\/myeyeclinic\/#Person","name":"My Eye Clinic","url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/author\/myeyeclinic\/","identifier":8,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8387103c2072d667018bc0a76890e72a3a28b15f0cb4d824dadcb29a5e8e13d3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8387103c2072d667018bc0a76890e72a3a28b15f0cb4d824dadcb29a5e8e13d3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"My Eye Clinic Gosforth","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Retina-Sticky-Header-Logo-v2-166x120-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Retina-Sticky-Header-Logo-v2-166x120-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","width":167,"height":122}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/what-causes-dry-eyes-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/what-causes-dry-eyes-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","height":534,"width":950},"url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/what-causes-dry-eyes\/","about":["Dry Eye & Blepharitis"],"wordCount":522,"articleBody":"What causes dry eyes?Dry eyes are a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. If you've ever experienced that gritty, burning sensation in your eyes, you may have wondered what causes it. At My Eye Clinic in Gosforth, we help patients uncover the root causes of their dry eye symptoms and provide effective treatments. Here\u2019s a closer look at the most common causes of dry eyes and what you can do about them.The Science Behind Dry EyesYour eyes need a healthy, stable tear film to stay comfortable and function correctly. Tears aren\u2019t just water\u2014they are a mixture of:Water: For moistureOils: To prevent evaporationMucus: To spread the tears evenlyProteins and antibodies: To fight infectionsWhen any part of this tear film is out of balance, dry eyes can occur.Common Causes of Dry Eyes1. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)Meibomian glands, located in your eyelids, produce the oil layer of your tear film. When these glands become blocked or don\u2019t work properly, tears evaporate too quickly, causing dryness.Symptoms:Gritty feelingBlurry visionRedness and irritationTreatment Options:BlephEx\u2122 to clean the eyelidsWarm compresses to open blocked glandsOmega-3 supplements to support gland function2. Environmental FactorsExternal conditions can also play a big role in dry eyes. Common environmental causes include:Air conditioning\/heating: Dries out indoor airWind and smoke: Increase tear evaporationScreen time: We blink less when using digital devices, reducing tear productionPrevention Tips:Use a humidifier indoorsTake regular breaks from screens (follow the 20-20-20 rule)Wear wrap-around sunglasses in windy conditions3. AgeingDry eyes become more common as we age. Tear production naturally decreases over time, with individuals over 50 being particularly susceptible.Why it happens:Glands become less efficientHormonal changes affect tear production4. Hormonal ChangesHormonal fluctuations can disrupt tear production, particularly in women.When it Occurs:During pregnancyMenopauseHormone replacement therapy5. Medical ConditionsSeveral medical conditions can cause dry eyes, including:Autoimmune diseases (e.g., Sj\u00f6gren\u2019s syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)DiabetesThyroid disorders6. MedicationsCertain medications have dry eye as a side effect, such as:AntihistaminesAntidepressantsBlood pressure medicationsHormonal birth controlTip: If you suspect your medication is causing dry eyes, speak to your healthcare provider about alternative options.How to Prevent and Treat Dry EyesUnderstanding the cause of your dry eyes is the first step toward effective treatment. Here\u2019s what you can do:Practice Good Eye Hygiene: Regularly clean your eyelids to prevent blockages.Use Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter eye drops can offer temporary relief.Seek Professional Help: Persistent symptoms may require prescription eyedrops and more advanced treatments like BlephEx\u2122 or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment..When to contact an eye specialistIf your dry eyes persist despite lifestyle changes, it may indicate an underlying condition that needs medical attention. At My Eye Clinic, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to assess your tear film and identify the root cause of your symptoms.Don\u2019t let dry eyes interfere with your life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn about the latest treatments available."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"What causes dry eyes?","item":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/what-causes-dry-eyes\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]