What’s Your Body Trying to Tell You?

Dry Eyes

Most Likely Causes

Staring at a computer for too long, consuming too much alcohol, or being in cold, dry, or windy conditions can increase the evaporation of the tear film on the eyes. Antidepressants, antihistamines, and cold medicines can dry out the eyes.
 
 

Less Likely Causes

Chronically dry eyes can also point to hyperthyroidism or an autoimmune disease, like lupus.
 
 What to do: 

• For mild dryness, preservative-free over-the-counter artificial tears will lubricate and protect the eyes.
• Wear UV-blocking wraparound sunglasses when you're out in cold or windy weather.
• At night, use an ointment like Refresh PM (available at drugstores) inside your lower lids.
• For severely or chronically dry eyes, see your doctor for tests and perhaps a prescription for eyedrops.