Eye get it: Dry eyes a major issue in Arizona

John Lahr, OD

Submitted photo

Researchers have found a strong correlation between dry eye and depression, partly because lifestyle changes, like more screen time or certain medications, can keep the eyes from making tears. But it also works the other way: living with dry eyes can affect your mood, limit the activities you enjoy and take a toll on your overall well-being.”

Do your eyes constantly feel dry, scratchy, or like they’ve been rubbed with sandpaper? You’re not alone. Nearly 16.4 million Americans live with dry eye disease, and many more go undiagnosed. If you’re a woman over 50, your chances of developing dry eye are even higher.

Dry Eye Awareness Month is here and we’re shedding light on how dry eyes impact vision, mental health, and overall wellbeing.

What are dry eyes?

Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears to keep themselves lubricated or the tears dry up too quickly. The result?  A scratchy or burning sensation, redness, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light. But the question is: what’s causing it?

Turns out, there are a few reasons.

Dry eye isn’t just about getting older or too much screen time, it often has deeper roots that involve your whole body.

• Medications: Many common drugs including sleeping aids, antihistamines, and birth control pills can change the mix of ingredients in your tears or even reduce how many tears your eyes make.

• Environment: Dry air from heat or low humidity causes moisture from your eyes to evaporate faster. Pollution, dust, and smoke can also cause irritation or inflammation.

• Health problems: If you have diabetes, thyroid issues, or an autoimmune condition, you’re more likely to have dry eyes. In fact, eye exams can often detect these and other health problems early.

• Eye surgeries: 60% of patients who have had LASIK report dry eyes, with symptoms peaking at three months after surgery and improving by 12 months.

• Gender: Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause can increase the likelihood of dry eyes in women.

Surprise! Even certain eye makeup, indoor fans and dehydration can cause your eyes discomfort. No matter what the cause, dry eyes can start to impact your mood and how you show up in daily life.

The mental health connection

It’s hard to enjoy your life or take care of your family when your vision and overall comfort are compromised. Having difficulty keeping your eyes open or suffering from blurry vision can hold you back and that’s why dry eyes can play a role in your mental health.

Researchers have found a strong correlation between dry eye and depression, partly because lifestyle changes, like more screen time or certain medications, can keep the eyes from making tears. But it also works the other way: living with dry eyes can affect your mood, limit the activities you enjoy and take a toll on your overall well-being.

Plus, dry eyes and depression even have similar causes including:

• Screen use
• Inflammation in the body and mouth
• Trouble falling asleep or sleeping too much
• Older age
• Gender
• Medications

Finding relief

Your eyes make tears using a mix of oil, water and mucus, and everyone’s tear mix is a little different. While dry eyes are a chronic condition, your doctor can help treat them. During an exam, they’ll check how well your eyes make tears, look for causes and discuss your health, medications, and environment to better understand your symptoms.

To help lower your risk of dry eyes, make a habit of visiting your healthcare provider regularly and addressing any underlying health concerns. Additionally, simple lifestyle adjustments can go a long way in protecting your eyes and overall well-being.

Your eyes might feel better if you:

• Avoid air blowing directly into your eyes, especially with dust or smoke.
• Use a humidifier to keep the air from drying out your eyes.
• Every 20 minutes of screen time, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Wear wraparound sunglasses to block the wind.
• Drink plenty of water and get enough rest.
• Use quality over-the-counter artificial tears to keep your eyes comfortable throughout the day. Not all eye drops at the store are the same — ask your eye care provider which are right for you. It’s best to stay away from the redness drops!
• Use eye drops to keep your eyes moist. Check with your eye doctor to find the best kind for you and avoid drops meant just for redness.

Don’t let your dry eyes stop you from living your best life. Relief is possible.

Editor’s note: John Lahr, OD is senior medical director at EyeMed Vision Care, which administers Scottsdale-based Delta Dental of Arizona’s DeltaVision plans. He has nearly 50 years of experience in eye care delivery and vision care. He lives in the Mesa/Chandler area. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.