Often times, dry eyes stem from something in your environment. But in some cases, dry eyes are caused by a medical issue. Issues that cause dry eyes include:

• Wind exposure
• Air conditioning
• Direct sunlight
• Smoking or second-hand smoke
• Certain medications
• Previous eye injury or surgery
• Sleeping with eyes slightly open
• Vitamin and mineral imbalances

Yes, but get checked out first. You can get many types of lubricating drops for dry eye, right at your local market or pharmacy. While these options are safe for most people, it’s still important to get a thorough eye exam before treating yourself. Sometimes dry eye can be caused by damage to your tear ducts. For instance, certain autoimmune disorders permanently destroy your tear-producing glands, minimizing your ability to produce tears to properly lubricate your eye.

Dry eye can also be caused by a disease that impacts the components of tears, or from thyroid disease, which sometimes causes your eye to stick out further than normal. Because dry eyes can be caused by an underlying medical condition, make an appointment with Dr. Griessel to discuss your concerns. She can determine if your dry eyes can be cured with eye drops, or if you need additional medical treatment.