Sometimes having dry eyes is just a product of being ill, having allergies, or being in a dry environment, but sometimes dry eyes are an indicator of a much deeper problem. Here are some of the common reasons for chronic dry eyes and how they can be treated.

Ectropion and Entropion

Ectropion is an eyelid condition that causes the eyelids to droop or sag at the corners. This can be a problem that one is born with or that develops with age. Entropion is when the eyelid turns upward and therefore is unable to fully close. When the eyelid is not able to close properly, the cornea cannot be moistened the way it should be. 

Eyelid Retraction

In some cases, the eyelids can retract causing them to pull back away from the eyes. When this happens, the eyes are also unable to close and moisten themselves properly. Eyelid retraction can be the result of thyroid disease, but there are other potential causes as well. The only treatment for this condition is eyelid surgery.

Eyelid Tumors

Whenever you think about tumors, you automatically think of cancer. However, eyelid tumors are quite often benign, meaning that they are irritating but not harmful to the body. Yet these eyelid tumors can irritate the eyes, and they can sometimes keep the eyelid from closing fully.

All of these eyelid conditions that cause dry eyes can be easily treated by an experienced eyelid surgeon. Eyelid surgery is not as scary as it sounds. If you have chronic dry eyes and may have one of these conditions, contact us today for more information or to schedule your appointment.