Dry eyes are a prevalent condition that develops when the tears cannot offer adequate lubrication to the eyes. The tears may be unstable or insufficient because of an array of reasons. However, regardless of the reason, dry eyes can be extremely uncomfortable, as it may lead to a burning or stinging sensation in the eyes. The big question is, what causes dry eyes? Here is a list of  five causes of dry eyes.

1. Medication
Tears in the eyes are composed of mucus, water, and oil. However, certain medications can hamper mucus production and result in chronic dry eyes. Some such medications include beta-blockers used for hypertension treatment, diuretics, antidepressants, and antihistamines. If, after consuming a medication, you feel dryness in your eyes, speak to your doctor. In this case, the doctor will either suggest an alternative medicine or lower your current medication dose. Alternatively, you can use artificial tears alongside the medication to provide adequate lubrication to the eyes.

2. Keratitis or infrequent blinking
When you sit in front of the computer screen for long hours, you may not blink your eyes as often as you should. This might result in dry eyes. Thus, it is recommended to take frequent breaks from the screen and consciously try to blink your eyes. Alternatively, there is a condition known as keratitis, wherein the eyelids do not shut entirely during sleep. This, too, might lead to dry eyes. Incomplete eyelid closure following surgery can also cause dry eyes. It can be most uncomfortable in the morning when you sleep all night with your eyes partly open.

3. Dry air
Being in an air-conditioned, heated, or dry room or even outdoors on a high-pollen day might make your eyes feel itchy or red. It happens because of the absence of sufficient moisture in the air. The dry air in the atmosphere might even evaporate the tears in the eyes. Moreover, environmental elements, such as dust or smoke, can result in dry eyes.

4. Aging
Of course, anyone can have dry eye syndrome, but the condition is more prevalent in older people. Dry eyes majorly impact people aged over 50, as their natural tear production is low. Unfortunately, this kind of dry eye cannot be prevented. However, using some treatment measures, such as artificial tears, on a routine basis can give your eyes an added lubrication and overcome dryness.

5. Laser surgery
In some people, dry eyes might be an outcome of laser vision correction surgery. This happens because, in laser surgery, some of the cornea’s nerves are cut. This can lower natural tear production in the eye. However, this situation is temporary and gets resolved in a few weeks or days. Till your normal tear production is restored, you can use lubricating eye drops.

Hopefully, now you have a clear idea about what causes dry eyes .