--- Advertisement ---

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Dry Eye Syndrome – Is It Pollution, Age, or Something Else?

Symptoms of dry eye syndrome are generally straightforward and include dry, red, and itchy eyes. Unfortunately, the cause of this condition can be more complex due to a variety of factors that can either reduce your eyes’ tear production or prevent your eyes from remaining adequately hydrated throughout the day.

Dry eye syndrome has much to do with tears. Tears are made up of a combination of water, salts, mucus, oils, and proteins, and they lubricate and protect the eyes against dryness and keep them free of dust and dirt. Dry eye syndrome can happen when a part of the tear production process stops functioning correctly, therefore reducing tear production. Dry eyes can also occur if tears are drying too quickly, and therefore, are unable to offer the proper lubrication and protection needed for the eyes to remain comfortable.

Environmental Factors

Air Pollution

Exposure to air pollution, which is made up of microscopic airborne particles such as soot, dust, nitrates, and smoke, can cause dry eye syndrome. When these particles come in contact with your eyes, they can cause small scratches and other irritations to the surface of the eye. Without adequate tear production, your eyes cannot naturally flush away these tiny particles, which lead to inflammation and itchiness.

The weather can play a role in drying out your eyes too. Excessive exposure to wind, bright sunshine, or dry climates can cause your tears to evaporate more quickly than usual. Without the protective film of tears on your eyes, they can quickly become irritated.

Age

As you age, your body’s abilities in performing everyday functions begin to slowly deteriorate. This includes a decreased secretion of tears compared to the production during your younger years, as well as lower quality tears that don’t contain the proper balance of water, oil, salt, protein, and mucus levels. Both situations can cause dry eye syndrome.

Medical Conditions

Allergies, such as those caused by pollen and pet dander, can cause inflammation of the white exterior portion of the eye (conjunctiva) and lead to dry, red, itchy eyes.

There are also skin conditions such as scleroderma and contact dermatitis, and immune disorders such as lupus, HIV, and rheumatoid arthritis that have a tendency to increase your chances of contracting dry eye syndrome.

Vision correction, whether through the temporary use of contact lenses or the permanent fix from corrective laser eye surgery, can lead to dry eyes. These symptoms often last for short periods of time and either clear up several weeks to several months after eye surgery or can be prevented by reducing the number of hours per day contact lenses are worn.

High Concentration Activities

Activities that require lengthy concentration (or watching too much TV!) often means you aren’t blinking often enough – which may lead to dry eyes. This is a common occurrence if you spend a lot of time on the computer, read a lot, watch TV for lengthy periods of time, or engage in hobbies or tasks that require a great deal of focus. More and more kids are suffering from dry eyes as they are spending prolonged periods of time reading or working on their laptops or computers. Encourage kids to blink randomly if they feel their eyes are started to become sore, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and wear glasses if necessary. Research suggests over 50% of school kids actually require glasses but the symptoms go un-diagnosed.

Eyelash Mites

There may be another cause of dry eye syndrome: eyelash mites. These microscopic parasites live on nearly everyone’s eyelashes and in most cases do no harm. However, if too many of them are living on your eyelashes they can cause inflammation of the eyelids and symptoms of dry eyes. Eyelash mites are most prevalent in elderly patients and women who wear a lot of eye makeup.

If you are experiencing dry, red, and itchy eyes, speak to your doctor about treatment. If left untreated, severe dry eyes may lead to abrasion of the corneal surface, corneal ulcers, eye inflammation, and vision problems.

Pssst... like what you're reading?

Join our community and never miss an event, post or update!

Just enter your email address below:

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Follow Us!

Upcoming Events

B.Duck Thailand – 20th Playful World City Fun Carnival!

Central World 999/9 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan,, Bangkok 10330, Bangkok, Thailand

B. Duck 20th Playful World – City Funs Carnival" Ready to land in Bangkok! Ready to open a full fun experience including toy zone. Let you chill with fantasy carousel. […]

Playmondo – Snoopy Bouncy Adventure

Central Chaengwattana 99, 99/9 Village No. 2 Chaeng Watthana Rd, Bang Talat, Pak Kret District, Bangkok, Thailand +1 more

  The fun isn’t over yet! Let’s keep the excitement going with the PEANUTS-themed inflatable playground. ⁣ Stay tuned to find out where we’ll be heading this year! ⁣ ⁣ […]

Recurring

Kids Kingdom Ruamrudee International Kindergarten – Playgroup Summer

Kids Kingdom Ruamrudee 63/2 Soi Ruamrudee 3, Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand

Join us this June for our exciting “Summer” Playgroup Days!Happening on Saturdays – June 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2025, each day will be filled with sunny adventures, splashy fun, […]

Please Contact

Kiztopia Thailand – Jumptopia

Central Rama 2 160 Rama II Rd, Samae Dam, Bang Khun Thian, Bangkok 10150, Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand

Jumptopia is bouncing across Asia! From Singapore to Taiwan, the fun never stops at Kiztopia. Here’s what’s happening right here in Thailand — don’t miss the action!⁣⁣ Jumptopia: Bouncy Egg […]

Playmondo – Snoopy Bouncy Adventure

Central Westgate 199, 199/1, 199//2 หมู่ที่ 6 Kanchanaphisek Rd, Sao Thong Hin, Bang Yai District, Nonthaburi 11140, Nonthaburi, Nonthaburi, Thailand

Snoopy is back at Central Westgate ⁣⁣ The PEANUTS-themed inflatable playground is here—get ready to bounce, run, and roll non-stop! ⁣⁣ Bring your friends and family along for a day […]

Get The Latest Updates

Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter

Get the latest kid and family-friendly activities and events in your inbox every Thursday! No spam, guaranteed.

More information

Recent Posts

Vana Nava Water Jungle

Vana Nava Water Jungle in Hua Hin

Asia’s First Water Jungle!! Hidden deep inside tropical jungle surroundings you’ll find the world’s best rides, slides and incredible attractions. Hua Hin has always been a favourite for families, famed for its