If your eyes feel dry and uncomfortable, water for seemingly no reason, or notice that your vision fluctuates, it can be difficult to find relief. Many people experience these issues from eye diseases and conditions where the eyes no longer produce sufficient tears or produce tears that do not work correctly. Other reasons for eye dryness involve the weather or lifestyle factors. Learn more about the causes of this condition and what can be done about it below. 

Some dry eye issues are related to aging, since the lacrimal glands naturally create fewer tears as a person gets older. Assorted medications can cause the problem as a side effect, such as antihistamines and diuretics that inhibit mucus production. Tears consist of water, oil, and mucus. 

Working at a computer all day can cause eye dryness because people who look at screens frequently tend to blink less. Other causes include blepharitis, a condition that inflames the eyelid edges and blocks the meibomian glands. Meibomian gland dysfunction is found in over 80% of people with dry eye issues. These glands produce fatty oils that prevent tears from evaporating prematurely. 

Why Are Dry Eyes Dangerous?

Dry eye complications include stringy mucus, stinging, redness, fluctuations in vision, and problems wearing contacts. You might feel like you have something stuck in your eyes, experience light sensitivities, and have problems driving at night. Eye fatigue and blurred vision are also common from the strain of dry eyes. If the complication is vision-related, it can heighten your accident risk. 

For example, if you experience watery and itchy eyes or blurry vision while driving, your risk of a major accident and related injuries increases. Working can become problematic as well, because your eyes are constantly irritated or sore.