How to Determine the Cause of Dry Eyes

Dry eyes can be very uncomfortable. According to EyeCareSource.com, people who have them feel irritation, inflammation or that something is in their eyes. Other symptoms of dry eyes include itchiness, redness and, ironically, excessive tearing. EyeCareSource.com explained that sometimes the eyes will tear up to overcompensate for the dryness. Some people have chronic dry eyes while others get them on a more short-term basis. Different factors determine the cause of dry eyes.

Instructions

Determine

• 1

  Consider your age. We create fewer tears as we get older, which means less moisture for the eyes.

• 2

  Find out if you are menopausal. The increase in certain hormones is a cause for a drop in tear production.

• 3

  Research any medication you may take. Some medications lead to less yielding of tears. According to EyeDoctorGuide.com, common medications that cause dry eyes are antidepressants, medications for Parkinson's disease, birth control pills and antihistamines.

• 4

  Be aware of your environment. Dusty air, dry or windy weather or cigarette smoke can evaporate tears.

• 5

  Check your contact lenses. Often contact lenses require rewetting drops. Contact lenses tend to absorb lubrication in the eyes. Many people opt to wear eyeglasses part of the time to alleviate the problem, according to EyeDoctorGuide.com.

• 6

  Evaluate your eye usage. Watching TV, using a computer or sewing for long periods can cause eye strain. This is due to infrequent blinking.

• 7

  Analyze your health. If you are deficient in vitamin A or have certain diseases, this could result in dry eyes. Insomnia can too, because when the eyes have not rested, they will dry out faster.