What Is Evaporative Dry Eye?

Dry eye syndrome is characterized by exactly what the name implies: a lack of moisture and lubrication in the eyes. Evaporative dry eye refers to a type of dry eye.

Significance

• The Eye Digest of the University of Illinois Eye & Ear Infirmary reports that roughly 4.9 million Americans aged 50 and older have dry eye. AllAboutVision.com reports that dry eye is far more prevalent in women than in men.

Identification

• Some forms of dry eye occur because not enough eye fluid (aqueous humor) is being produced. Evaporative dry eye, on the other hand, occurs when the eye's tear film, which protects the tears from evaporating too quickly, is weak and unstable.

Causes

• According to AllAboutVision.com, dry eye is caused by aging and menopause; as a side effect of medications, such as certain blood pressure medications, antihistamines, antidepressants and birth control pills; smoking; long-term wear of contacts; or a dry, windy and dusty climate.

Symptoms

• Aside from excessive ocular dryness, other eye symptoms include itchiness, burning and redness. Patients may feel that there is something "foreign" in the eye.

Associated Diseases

• Certain diseases affect and attack the tear gland and are associated with dry eye. Diseases such as lupus, Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid irregularity interfere with blinking and can cause dry eye. Blepharitis, as well as other eye conditions that cause inflammation of the eye, can also cause dry eye.

Treatment

• Evaporative dry eye may not be curable, according to AllAboutVision.com, but its symptoms are manageable with prescription eye drops. Air filters and humidifiers in the home might help.