Dry eyes are a condition in which a person isn’t capable of producing enough tears, or they produce poor-quality tears. Living in Alberta, we are especially prone to this condition because of the dry climate and how high we are above sea level. Every time you blink, tears are spread across your eyes. Tears are important in keeping your eyes wet and smooth, preventing infection and irritation. They also help your eyes focus on light, enabling you to see more clearly. The main reason for dry eyes is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).

The three layers of the tear film are oil (Meibum), water, and mucus. These fluids are to help keep your eyes moist and won’t dry it out. The outer layer of the oil helps the eye to avoid the water layer evaporating or drying out too quickly. If the amount of oil or quality of oil has changed due to the glands producing the oil, it can lead to MGD. MGD can happen as a result of many things. The most common is obstructive MGD.

Obstructive MGD happens when the gland openings get clogged and over time less oil reaches the eye surface. The causes for MGD can be age. As we age, the number of blink rates are slowed down. It can also be oxidative stress and hormonal levels as well. Ethnicity can also be another reason due to Asian individuals most likely getting MGD than a Caucasian individual. Wearing eye contacts can also be a cause of MGD.

Common medical issues linked to MGD are:

• • Allergic conjunctivitis and other eye diseases
  • Inflamed or damaged eyelid or cornea
  • Bacterial infection
  • High cholesterol and triglycerides
  • Autoimmune diseases like rosacea, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

A leading cause of dry eyes is the dry environment like the Alberta environment. Reading or staring at a screen for extended periods and staying in a dry or windy environment are both factors that can contribute to dry eyes.