What is the relationship between dry eye and depression?
There are several reasons chronic dry eye can lead to clinical depression. Dry eye patients need to be on the alert, understand why they may be susceptible to depression and why this is normal (and not a sign of weakness), and speak with both their eye doctor and their GP about their concerns. First, the pain can be constant and severe. Most people who have never had dry eye or a serious eye injury have no conception how much pain the eyes are capable of producing. It can drive one to distraction. When chronic, it is a constant drain on one’s coping resources. Second, there is a direct and sometimes dramatic impact on lifestyle. Outdoor activities, for example, may become impossible, because of irritation from air/wind and/or because of extreme light sensitivity. Third, appearance can be affected. Chronically red eyes are unsightly. And women may find they can no longer tolerate cosmetics near their eyes. Finally, there may be special factors at play depending on the individual cause o
