Tired eyes

Dry tired eyes are a disease that involves different factors or elements in the tears and ocular surface of the eyes. This condition results in discomfort, tear film instability and visual problems. If left untreated, dry tired eyes can cause a damaging effect to the eye surface.

Common Causes of Dry Eyes

This condition is classified into two – tear deficient and evaporative. The former is characterized as a decreased in tear production while the latter is an increased in tear evaporation. The following the common cause of this condition.

Aging

Statistics reveals that 75 percent of individuals who are over 65 years old develop this eye condition. This happens because the body naturally decreases its ability to produce tears.

 LASIK

This refractive eye surgery creates damage to the corneal nerves which send impulses to the lacrimal glands of the eyes whenever there is a need to secrete tears. This simply means that when you get LASIK, your lacriminal glands do not produce the normal amount of tears for few months. However, you should not worry because the corneal nerves will regenerate in 6 to 12 months, so your eyes will be back to its normal condition.

Hormonal Change in Women

Dry tired eyes happen to women because of their hormonal changes relating pregnancy, menopause and oral contraceptives.

Adverse Effects of Certain Medication

Usually, a person who takes antihistamines like Claritin, Zyrtec and the like develop this condition. Accutane can also lower the production of tears in the lacrimal glands. Antidepressants, diuretics, acid blockers, hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women and birth control pills can also dry out your eyes.

Other causes include

• Omega 3 fatty acids deficiency
• Smoking
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Long-term use of contact lenses

If you feel discomfort and visual disturbances due to dry tired eyes, never attempt to self-medicate. Consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.