Risk Factors for Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are a common condition that impacts the level of lubrication on your eyes. Tear production is necessary to protect your eyes from harmful bacteria. Without adequate lubrication, serious complications from dry eyes can occur. Below you will find the common risk factors for dry eyes and what treatment options are available.

Dry eyes can impact your daily life due to the unwanted symptoms. Consider the following factors that increase your risk for the condition.

Poor Diet: Having a balanced diet can benefit your vision and overall health. This includes foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals. People who eat a diet low in vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids are at a higher risk for dry eyes. Foods rich in Vitamin A include broccoli, carrots, and liver. Fish, walnuts, and vegetable oils are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Contact Lenses: People who wear contact lenses are at a higher risk for dry eyes. Your contact lens covers your cornea which can partially block oxygen from entering your eye. In addition, those who have a history of refractive surgery can also experience dry eyes. While this is often temporary, you should talk with an eye doctor if the issue lasts more than a few months.
Women: Hormonal changes can impact the lubrication in your eyes. It is much more common in women as they experience hormone changes during pregnancy and menopause. Those who use birth control can also experience dry eyes due to the hormonal changes that occur during your cycle. Because of this, dry eyes are more common among women.
Age: Tear production reduces as you age which can impact the amount of lubrication on your eyes. Those who are over 50 are at a higher risk for dry eyes.

Risks Associated with Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are more than just an inconvenience. People who have dry eyes can experience serious complications from the condition. If your dry eyes are impacting your daily life and you do not know the cause, it’s important to contact an eye doctor to reduce your risk for the following complications.

Surface Damage: The surface of your eyes can be damaged if your dry eyes are left untreated. Issues such as inflammation, corneal surface abrasion, and corneal ulcers can occur because of dry eyes. In severe cases, vision loss can occur.
Eye Infections: Tear production is necessary to protect the surface of your eyes from harmful bacteria. Without tear production, your risk for an eye infection is greater.
Quality of Life: Dry eyes can seriously impact your daily life. In fact, it can impact your ability to read, look at a screen, and even drive. Addressing the issue is necessary to ensure your dry eyes don’t impact your quality of life.

Dry Eye Treatments in Newport Beach

Due to the harmful effects dry eyes can have on your ocular health, treatment is necessary. Over-the-counter treatments cannot address the long-term effects of dry eyes. They merely address the issue from the outside and mask it rather than solve it. However, dry eye treatments in Newport Beach are the most effective treatment option to address the issue.

Eyelid surgery can address your dry eyes as it helps adjust how tears flow around your eye. Your eyelid and eye have a uniquely connected relationship. Addressing how your eyelid impacts your eyes can be highly beneficial in addressing your dry eyes. The first step in determining if you are a good candidate for the procedure is scheduling a consultation. Dr. Jeffrey Joseph is the top eyelid surgeon in Newport Beach. Contact his office today to schedule an appointment!