What Causes Dry Eyes?

Imbalance of the tear mixture

Imbalance of the tear mixture
Imbalance of the tear mixture

The tear film consists of three layers such as mucus, oil, and water layer. Troubles with any sort of these might lead to the symptoms of dry eyes. The top layer consists of oil that comes from the corners of the eyelids, where the meibomian glands form fatty oils or lips. The oil makes the tear surface so smooth and makes the rate of evaporation too slow. Faulty oil levels might lead to the evaporation of tears so rapidly. Inflammation along the corners of the eyelids is called blepharitis, also Rosacea and a few other disorders of the skin might be the reason for the meibomian gland to become blockage, forming dry eyes more likely. Other causes consist of eyelid problems, environmental factors, and some drugs.

The middle layer is the thickest in comparison to the outer layer, including salt and oil. The tear glands or lacrimal glands form this layer. They wash away and cleanse the eyes from the irritants and pollutants. Troubles regarding this layer might lead to the film’s non-stability. If the layer of water is thin, the mucus layers and oil might touch each other, hallmark symptoms of dry eyes, resulting in a discharge. The inner layer is the mucus layer that enables the tears to spread evenly by the eyes. A dysfunction might lead to dry patches on the eye (cornea), the front surface of an eye. Eyelid problems consist of ectropion, where the lids of an eye turn outward, where it turns inward. Medications that might cause dry eyes to consist of sleeping pills, some diuretics, and decongestants, etc.