If you’ve been dealing with dry, uncomfortable eyes, it might not just be the weather or screen time—it could be an underlying medical condition. Certain diseases and health issues can raise your risk of dry eyes. In these cases, it is often necessary to treat the condition before you find noticeable relief. Here are some conditions that can contribute to dry eye:  

Autoimmune diseases 

Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus can affect your tear glands, leading to dryness and discomfort. With these conditions, the immune system mistakenly attacks your tear glands, resulting in reduced tear production and dry eyes. If you have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, it’s important to discuss any dry eye symptoms with your eye doctor. 

Diabetes 

Diabetes is another medical condition that has been linked to dry eye. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in your eyes and affect tear production. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing dry eye symptoms such as irritation, redness, and blurry vision. Keeping your blood sugar levels under control through proper diabetes management can help relieve dry eye symptoms. 

Thyroid disorders 

Thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can disrupt hormone levels in the body, affecting tear production and causing dry eyes. If you have a thyroid disorder, let your eye doctor know so they can monitor your eye health and provide appropriate treatment for dry eye symptoms. 

Medications 

Certain medications used to manage various medical conditions can cause dry eye symptoms as a side effect. Antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, birth control pills, and diuretics are just a few examples of medications that may affect tear production or quality. If you suspect that your medication is causing or worsening your dry eye symptoms, be sure to mention it to your healthcare provider so they can explore alternative options for you. 

Allergies 

Seasonal allergies or allergic reactions to pet dander or dust mites can trigger eye inflammation and disrupt tear film stability. Avoiding allergens or using antihistamines may help reduce irritation and discomfort associated with dry eyes. 

Vitamin deficiencies 

Deficiencies in vitamin A or omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for eye health, can contribute to dry eye symptoms. Maintaining a balanced diet or taking supplements may help improve tear quality. 

Recognizing dry eye symptoms 

Keep an eye out for these signs of dry eye, especially if you have an underlying medical condition: 

• Your eyes feel dry or gritty 
• They’re red or irritated 
• You’re sensitive to light 
• Your vision is blurry 
• Your eyes feel tired, especially after screen time 
• You might even notice excessive tearing, which can happen when your eyes try to compensate for dryness 

Advanced dry eye treatment at Quality Eye Care Clinic 

Along with medical conditions and medications, other factors such as hormonal changes, environmental factors like smoke or wind exposure, and aging can also play a role in causing or worsening dry eye. At Quality Eye Care Clinic, our dry eye specialists in Elgin and Kildeer, Illinois will identify the root cause of your symptoms so we can develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. Whether it’s through LipiFlow® treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction or PROKERA amniotic membranes for corneal healing, we have a variety of options available to help relieve your discomfort. We also offer a range of dry eye products, from preservative-free eye drops to omega-3 supplements, to help you get back to feeling better soon. 

In conclusion, if you’re dealing with chronic dry eye symptoms, it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition that needs attention. With the advanced treatment options available at Quality Eye Care Clinic, you don’t have to suffer from discomfort. Schedule an appointment with us today to explore the best treatment plan for your condition.