Do your eyes often feel itchy or uncomfortable? It might not be allergies or your screen time, it could actually be a dry eye problem.
Many of us take our eyes for granted until something feels off. Maybe vision has started to blur by the end of the day, eyes sting when waking up or relying on eye drops just to get through a work shift is common practice. The problem might be insufficient tear production, not emotional tears, but the essential moisture that keeps eyes healthy, lubricated and functioning properly.
Let’s look at why sufficient tear production matters, what happens when it slows down, and we’ll explore some options for dry eye disease treatment.
The Important Role of Tears
Tears play a much bigger role than most people realise - they’re a built-in cleaning, lubricating and protective system. Every time you blink, a thin layer of tears known as the tear film spreads across the eye surface keeping things smooth, protecting against eye infection, and helping to maintain clear vision. Your tear film has three layers:
Oil (to prevent evaporation)
Water (to hydrate)
Mucus (to help the tear spread evenly)
If even one of these layers isn’t doing its job, your eyes can quickly become irritated, dry or inflamed.
Why Aren’t You Producing Enough Tears?
There are several reasons why your eyes might not be making enough quality tears.
Ageing is one of the main reasons. As we get older, especially over 50, tear production naturally slows down; it’s incredibly common and often underdiagnosed. Hormones also play a role in tear production, particularly in women. Menopause and other hormonal shifts can contribute to dry eye symptoms.
Dehydration is another factor. When the body lacks sufficient fluids, it prioritises hydration for vital organs over less critical functions like tear secretion. Similarly, certain medications such as antihistamines and antidepressants can lead to dry eyes by reducing tear output as a side effect.
Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome or other autoimmune disorders can impair tear glands' ability to produce adequate moisture. Also, lifestyle choices play a pivotal role. Excessive screen time can strain the eyes and reduce blinking frequency, a key factor in maintaining moisture levels on the eye's surface.
Addressing these various causes often requires a multifaceted approach that includes hydration strategies, potential medication adjustments under medical guidance, and incorporating breaks from screens into daily routines.
Get Checked and Treated Early
The best way to find out what’s going on with your tear production is to book a comprehensive eye sight test. An optometrist can examine your tear film, look for signs of dry eye disease and recommend the right dry eye disease treatment for your needs.
Treatment may include artificial tears or lubricating drops, prescription eye drops to reduce inflammation or boost natural tear production, warm compresses or eyelid hygiene routines, treatment procedures such as IPL or Lipiflow, and lifestyle adjustments, such as screen breaks or using a humidifier indoors.
In many cases, a combination approach is the most effective.
Ready to give your eyes the care they deserve?
If you’ve been dealing with red, itchy or uncomfortable eyes, it’s time to get them checked out. A simple eye sight test could uncover a dry eye problem before it becomes a bigger issue.
Book your appointment today with a trusted optometrist and start seeing clearly and comfortably again. Book with Abernethy Owens online or call 1800 411 744 today.