Why Do I Have Dry Eye in One Eye?

When you suffer from dry eyes syndrome, research shows that you may suffer from eye pain, eye redness, light sensitivity, gritty feeling in the eyes, watery eyes, and eye fatigue. Although it’s common to have these symptoms in both eyes, it’s possible for only one eye to suffer. Experts say that if you’re wondering why you only have a dry eye in just one eye, there are possible reasons for it.
 

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

Research shows that your upper eyelid has 25 to 40 Meibomian glands while your lower eyelid has 20 to 30. These glands provide oils to your eye’s surface. The oil prevents your tears from evaporating too rapidly. Also known as meibomianitis, MGD is a common eye condition that causes insufficient oil production in your eyelids. It can happen to both or just one of your eyes.
 

Because MGD reduces the oil secretion from your eyelids, your tear film evaporates quickly. MGD is usually associated with dry eye syndrome and blepharitis. Your eye doctor can diagnose you with this condition through a simple technique. By putting gentle pressure on your affected eyelid, your eye specialist can determine what’s accumulating in your Meibomian glands.
 

Aqueous Tear-Deficient Dry Eye

Experts maintain that both or one of your eyes can have this condition. Aqueous tear-deficient dry eye decreases tear production in your eyes. You then experience vision problems, eye pain, and redness. Clinical research concludes that age and Sjogren’s syndrome can both cause aqueous tear-deficient dry eye.
 

Clinical data prove that as you age, your tear glands start to have difficulty producing tears. More research suggests that Sjogren’s syndrome affects the glands that secrete saliva and tears. This syndrome ultimately causes dry mouth and dry eyes.
 

Environmental Factors and Medications

Eye experts say that both or one of your eyes can have dry eye syndrome if you’re exposed to climatic factors such as wind, dry air, sun, and heat. You are also at risk of developing dry eye syndrome if you use contacts, go to high-altitude places or smoke. Your eyes also become dry if you drive, use your computer, or read for hours in a day. These activities slow down your blinking rate, which then lessens the distribution of tears across your eyes.
 

Medical health providers add that certain medications can also cause your eyes to dry up. Here are some of them:
 

• Opiates

• Diuretics

• Acne medications

• Antidepressants

• Decongestants

• Birth control medications

• ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors

• Sleeping pills

• Antihistamines

Some infections such as HIV, shingles, and Bell’s palsy can also cause dry eye syndrome.
 

If you have dry eye syndrome in just one eye, this is a sign that your eye doctor may still remedy it. A trained and experienced tear film expert may have the opportunity to treat the condition. Here at Urban Optics, we can help catch the dry eye symptoms in your one eye early. You are welcome to see Urban Optics at our clinic in College Station, Texas, for a one-on-one consultation. Feel free to call us at 979-401-0800 if you want to schedule an appointment or make inquiries about dry eye syndrome.