Causes of dry eye

There are many causes of dry eye, and a patient can be suffering from one or more of them. Listed below are the main ones.

Aging
As we age, tear production decreases. Men and women of any age can be affected. However, after menopause and during pregnancy women are especially susceptible. Two to three times more women than men are affected.

Contact Lenses
Wearing contact lenses often increases tear evaporation. This can result in irritation, increased protein deposits, infection and pain. Dry eye has been shown to be the leading cause of contact lens discomfort.

Medications
A variety of common medications reduce tear secretion. These include decongestants, anti- histamines, diuretics, beta blockers, sleeping pills, antidepressants, pain relievers and alcohol.

Systemic Diseases
Conditions in which dry eye commonly occur include Parkinsons disease, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

Environment
Occasional or continual exposure to various environments can reduce eye lubrication. These include sunny, dry windy conditions, areas with heaters, dehumidifiers, fans or air conditioners; work settings i.e. areas with chemicals or hair dryers, high altitudes, smoke or air pollution and sand dust, or airborne pollen. Cigarette, pipe or cigar smoke can also contribute.

Auto Immune Disease
Autoimmune disease can be accompanied by a dry mouth and dry eyes. This combination of symptoms is called Sjogrens syndrome.

Eye Surgery
Refractive correction procedures are recognized as causing a transient dry eye in some patients. 

Blink Rate
Modern day activites such as watching TV and using a computer all contribute to us blinking less than we should. Blinking spreads the lubricants from your tears over your eyes and not blinking whilst staring at a screen can result in interference with this action, causing dry eye.  www.dryeyezone.com offers a download of an eye to sit on your desk top and blink at you every 10 seconds to try and help you remember to blink.