Health Tip: Understanding Dry Eye

Dry eye occurs when the amount of tears you produce fails to keep the surface of the eye adequately lubricated, the National Eye Institute says.

The risk of developing dry eye increases with age, and more women than men have the condition.

Dry eye can create scratchy or stinging feelings, dryness, discharge, pain and redness.

The institute mentions these common causes of dry eye:

Medications including antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, and medications for anxiety, Parkinson’s disease and high blood pressure.
Advancing age.
Rosacea (an inflammatory skin disease) and blepharitis (an inflammatory eyelid disease).
Windy, smoky or dry environments.
Seasonal allergies.
Prolonged periods of screen time.

Source: HealthDay