DRY EYE ISSUES

Q: WHAT TYPE OF CONDITIONS CAN CAUSE DRY EYE ISSUES?

A: Certain diseases and conditions can cause a person to have dry eyes such as:

– Rheumatoid arthritis
– Sjogren’s syndrome
– Thyroid disease
– Lupus

• Blepharitis (when eyelids are swollen or red)
• Entropion (when eyelids turn in);
• Ectropion (eyelids turn outward)
• Time spent in smoke, wind or a very dry climate
• Looking at a computer for a long time (reduced blinking)
• Using contact lenses for a long time
• Having refractive eye surgery, such as LASIK
• Taking certain medicines, such as:
  • Diuretics (water pills) for high blood pressure
  • Beta-blockers, for heart problems or high blood pressure
  • Allergy medicines (antihistamines)
  • Sleeping pills
  • Anxiety medicines