If you’ve ever experienced a burning, itchy sensation in your eyes, you may be familiar with the term “dry eye.” But what exactly is dry eye, and what causes it?
There are two types of dry eye: evaporative and aqueous-deficient. Aqueous-deficient dry eye is caused by reduced tear production, while evaporative dry eye is caused by a problem with the quality of your tears.
Evaporative dry eye is the most common type of dry eye, and it’s usually caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). The meibomian glands are located in your eyelids, producing an oily substance that helps to keep your tears from evaporating too quickly.
If these glands become blocked or don’t function properly, it can cause your tears to evaporate too quickly, leading to dry eye symptoms.
The symptoms of Evaporative Dry Eye
Burning
Symptoms of evaporative dry eye include a burning sensation, itchiness, redness, and a feeling of having something in the eye. The symptoms may be worse in the morning or after being in a dry or windy environment.
Crustiness
Symptoms of evaporative dry eye include:
- A sensation of grittiness or sandiness in the eye.
- A feeling of dryness or burning.
- Occasional tearing.
The best way to treat evaporative dry eye is to avoid the conditions that cause it and to use artificial tears or eye drops as needed. You can check out clinical trials for dry eye at Power if you’re looking for additional treatment options for Evaporative Dry Eye.
Sensitivity to light
There are many different symptoms of evaporative dry eye, but one of the most common is sensitivity to light. This can make it difficult to be in well-lit environments for extended periods of time and can even make it difficult to drive.
Blurry vision that comes and goes
If you experience blurry vision that comes and goes, it could be a symptom of evaporative dry eye. This condition occurs when your tears cannot provide enough eye moisture. This can happen for a number of reasons, including wind, air conditioning, or smoke.
Swollen eyelids
There are a few different symptoms of evaporative dry eye, one of which is swollen eyelids. This is because the Meibomian glands, responsible for making tears, aren’t functioning properly. This can cause your eyelids to swell.
The causes of Evaporative Dry Eye
Meibomian gland dysfunction
Meibomian gland dysfunction is a common cause of evaporative dry eye. The meibomian glands are located in the eyelids and produce an oily substance that helps to stabilize the tear film. If these glands are not functioning properly, the tear film can evaporate too quickly, leading to dry eye symptoms.
Eyelid malposition
The eyelids play an important role in the health of the eye and its surrounding structures. Meibomian glands located in the eyelids secrete an oily substance that helps to prevent evaporation of the tear film. When these glands become blocked or dysfunctional, evaporative dry eye can result.
There are many possible causes of eyelid malposition, leading to evaporative dry eye. Eyelid malposition can be caused by conditions such as blepharitis, Graves’ disease, and tumors. It can also be a result of surgery, trauma, or aging. Regardless of the cause, eyelid malposition can be a serious problem that an ophthalmologist should evaluate.
Eyelid inflammation
Eyelid inflammation, or blepharitis, is another common cause of evaporative dry eye. Blepharitis can be caused by a number of things, including bacteria, allergies, and certain skin conditions. When inflamed eyelids, they can become swollen and red, and the meibomian glands can be blocked.
Tear film insufficiency
The lacrimal gland produces tears that lubricate our eyes. The tears are composed of water, oil, and mucus. The meibomian glands produce the oil and the mucus by the conjunctival goblet cells. The surface of the eye is covered by a thin layer of tears, which is constantly being replenished.
Tear film insufficiency is a condition in which the tears are not able to lubricate the eye adequately. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including insufficient production of tears, abnormal tear composition, or poor tear film stability.
Evaporative dry eye is a type of dry eye caused by tear film insufficiency. When the tears are not able to lubricate the eye adequately, the eye is unable to protect itself from the evaporative forces of the environment. This can lead to symptoms such as eye fatigue, eye irritation, and visual disturbances.
Environmental conditions
Evaporative dry eye is a condition in which tears cannot moisten the eye. This can be caused by many environmental conditions, such as wind, dust, and dry air.
The condition is often worse in the winter when the air is drier, and there is less moisture in the atmosphere. This can make it difficult to wear contact lenses, as they can become dry and irritated.