What Are the Most Common Causes of Dry Eyes?

Dry eye is one of the most common conditions patients bring to their eye doctor in San Diego. While occasional dryness can happen to anyone, persistent symptoms may signal an underlying issue that requires professional care. Understanding what causes dry eyes is the first step toward finding relief and protecting your long-term eye health.
 

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

One of the most common causes of dry eyes is meibomian gland dysfunction. These tiny glands in your eyelids produce the oil layer of your tear film. When they become blocked or inflamed, your tears evaporate too quickly, leaving your eyes feeling dry, itchy, or uncomfortable. Many patients don’t realize MGD is the root cause of their symptoms until they receive a proper evaluation.
 

Age-Related Tear Changes

As we age, our tear production decreases. Older adults are more likely to experience chronic dry eye, especially those over 50. Hormonal changes can also affect the stability and quantity of your tears, making dryness more pronounced.
 

Digital Eye Strain

Spending hours on screens causes us to blink less often. Reduced blinking disrupts the tear film and leads to dryness, burning, and irritation. With so many San Diego residents working remotely or using screens for long periods, digital eye strain has become a major contributor to dry eye symptoms.
 

Contact Lens Wear

Contact lenses sit on the surface of the eye and can reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the cornea. This can cause or worsen dryness, especially if lenses are worn for extended periods or not properly cared for. Many contact lens wearers experience relief only after switching to lenses designed for dry eyes or receiving targeted dry eye treatment.
 

Medications

Certain medications can affect tear production. Antihistamines, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and even some acne treatments can contribute to dry eye symptoms. If you’ve recently started a new medication and noticed dryness, it’s important to mention this during your eye exam.
 

Health Conditions

Autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders can significantly impact tear gland function. Patients with these conditions may experience chronic, severe dryness that requires advanced management.
 

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation at Focal Optometry

Dry eye can stem from a variety of causes - some environmental, some age-related, and others linked to lifestyle or underlying health conditions. Regardless of the cause, you don’t have to live with the discomfort. At Focal Optometry, our optometrists use advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the source of your symptoms and create a personalized plan for effective dry eye treatment in San Diego.

If your eyes feel irritated, watery, or fatigued, it may be time for a dry eye assessment. Schedule a consultation at Focal Optometry and get the dry eye relief you deserve. Contact our office in San Diego, California, by calling (858) 330-4200 today.