Whether you are living in Scottsdale or Mesa, it can be easy to develop dry eye issues in Arizona. If your eyes are irritated, you may wonder how your eye issues got to this point. Our eye doctors at Riviera Opticare have gathered five of the common causes of dry eye.

What Causes Dry Eyes?

1. Aging

As people get older, the protein in their eyes decay, leading to a reduction in tear production. Without tears to moisten the eyes occasionally, nothing will naturally prevent the eyes from becoming dry over time. Our optometrists may prescribe different contacts or changes in your diet to treat aging eyes.

2. Hormonal Changes

For women undergoing reproductive changes, dry eyes can often occur due to pregnancy, menopause, or while on birth control. Hormones such as estrogen and insulin can play parts in irritating the eyes.

3. Diabetes and Related Diseases

Diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren's syndrome are among the conditions that can disrupt or inflame muscles in the eyes. This leads to a reduction in tear production and irritation of the eyes.

4. Medical Side Effects

Medication like birth control pills, nasal decongestants, antidepressants, and antihistamines have known side effects resulting in dry eyes. Look up your medication's side effects if you suspect your medication is affecting your eyes. Our eye doctors may be able to provide an alternative to avoid dry eyes.

5. Surroundings

Things like sunlight, wind, smoke, and even staring at a bright computer screen are factors that can temporarily cause your tear glands to swell, causing mild, yet annoying irritation.

Contact Our Optometrists at Riviera Opticare

No matter if you have temporary or chronic eye health issues, our eye doctors in Scottsdale and Mesa will provide quality eye care to help your eyes. We treat a wide variety of conditions, including dry eye. Call our Scottsdale office today at (480) 991-6432 or our Mesa office at (480) 827-9184.