Chronic dry eye syndrome is caused due to the deficiency of moisture and lubrication on the outer surface of the eyes. It can also occur when the eyes cannot generate tears or when they produce inconsistent tears that evaporate quickly.

Skin inflammation occurs on the surface of the eye. If left untreated, it can lead to ulcers, development of scars on the cornea, blurred or loss vision.

Dry eyes can make reading difficult since it can easily strain the eye.

Dysfunctional tear syndrome- Inadequate quantity of tears generated by the glands.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca- Affects both the conjunctiva and cornea.

Symptoms of dry eyes

• An uncomfortable and irritating sensation in the eye
• A string-like discharge from the eye
• Blurred vision
• Redness and burning sensation in the eye
• Tiredness of the eye
• Inability to generate tears even when emotional
• Heavy eyelids
• Inability to perform vision related tasks, like reading or working on the computer

Causal factors of dry eyes

• Skin disease around the eyelids can cause dryness. It can be a last for a short while or long enough to become a chronic condition.
• It can also be side effects of certain medications, like birth control pills, tranquilizers, antidepressants, Parkinson’s disease medications, antihistamines etc.
• A gland disease known as Meibomian gland dysfunction happens around the eyes. This can also be a cause for dryness.
• Allergies are generally associated with dry eye since it’s the body’s natural reaction to a stimulus.
• Both excessive and deficient intakes of vitamins can be a reason for dryness.
• Pregnant women can also experience this condition.
• Wearing contact lenses for a prolonged period of time can lead to dryness as well.
• It can happen due to increased rate of tear evaporation because of factors like wind, dry air, smoke, and other pollutants.
• If you don’t blink often, there are chances to develop dry eye syndrome.
• Aging is another reason for dry eye. Conditions like arthritis, thyroid, lupus, and deficiency of vitamin A can cause dryness as well.

Prognosis for dry eyes
Typically, dry eyes are treated using artificial tear drops or ointments, but there are other methods as well. Consider sleeping with airtight goggles, they create a moisture chamber to retain the wetness in your eyes.

Medical advancements have brought new technology to the masses. This includes lipid flow, a device that helps in unclogging blocked glands in your eyelids. It helps keep the eye moist and protects tears from evaporating.