What causes dry eyes?
Disease description:
My eyes have felt dry and uncomfortable lately, and after prolonged visual tasks, my vision becomes blurry. Could this be related to my recent habit of staying up late looking at my phone? What exactly causes dry eyes? Is it due to overuse of the eyes?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Shuai
Common causes of dry and gritty eyes include:
1. Prolonged use of electronic devices: Staring at computer, phone, or tablet screens for extended periods reduces blinking frequency, leading to rapid tear evaporation and causing dry eyes.
2. Environmental factors: Dry climates, direct exposure to air conditioning or fans, smoke, or dust may cause dryness and discomfort in the eyes.
3. Dry eye syndrome: This may be caused by meibomian gland dysfunction, reduced tear gland secretion, or frequent use of inappropriate eye drops.
4. Tear gland problems: Insufficient tear production by the tear glands, such as due to aging, autoimmune diseases, or long-term contact lens wear, may lead to dry eyes.
5. Eye diseases: Conditions such as dry eye syndrome, trachoma, and conjunctivitis can also cause dryness in the eyes.
6. Wearing contact lenses: Prolonged wear of contact lenses, particularly non-breathable lenses, may increase the risk of dry eyes.
If symptoms of dry eyes persist, it is recommended to seek medical examination and treatment at a hospital immediately.
