Dry eyes can be quite irritating to deal with. Your eyes feel itchy, burn, and you may difficulty seeing. If you suffer from dry eyes on the regular and you aren’t getting much relief from drops, then there could be a more serious underlying health condition that could be contributing to your dry eyes.
Here are some common underlying causes for dry eyes. By achieving a proper diagnosis for dry eyes, you can obtain greater relief.
Common Causes for Dry Eyes
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Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. The same immune system that attacks the joints attacks the eyes, causing them to become dry and irritated. RA patients have chronic inflammation in the body, which can impact the eyes. If RA is the cause of your dry eyes, then treating RA is your best method of relief.
Lupus: Lupus is an autoimmune disease that has the potential to affect the eyes due to inflammation. Lupus may also impact the nerves in the eyes that control eye movement, which can affect vision. On the other hand, some medications to treat lupus may contribute to dry eyes.
Sjogren’s Syndrome: Sjogren’s syndrome causes wide-spread inflammation that commonly affects the body’s mucous membranes, especially those of the eyes and mouth. This results in extremely dry eyes. Some treatments include eye drops and eyelid massages.
Thyroid disease: Grave’s disease is a type of thyroid disease that affects the tissue around the eyes. Patients may experience dry, itchy, puffy, swollen eyes.
Vitamin A deficiency: Vitamin A is essential to ensure that the retina works appropriately. Vitamin A is found in plenty of fruits and vegetables. Vitamin A also aids in improving night vision and maintaining proper eye lubrication. Ensure you eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to get adequate amounts of vitamin A.
Medication side effects: Many medications can trigger dry eyes. These medications include blood pressure, acne, depression, antihistamines, and even birth control. Speak to your doctor if you believe medications you’re taking are the cause of your dry eyes, as there may be an alternative available. But do not stop taking any medicines unless advised.
Devon Andre has been involved in the health and dietary supplement industry for a number of years. Devon has written extensively for Bel Marra Health. He has a Bachelor of Forensic Science from the University of Windsor, and went on to complete a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh. Devon is keenly aware of trends and new developments in the area of health and wellness. He embraces an active lifestyle combining diet, exercise and healthy choices. By working to inform readers of the options available to them, he hopes to improve their health and quality of life.
