Dry eye is caused by problems with tear production, tear composition, or excessive evaporation. Often several factors act together.
Aqueous Deficiency
Reduced tear production can result from age-related lacrimal gland decline, autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren syndrome, or damage from inflammation, surgery, or radiation.
- Systemic medications (for example some antihistamines or antidepressants) can reduce tear flow
- Hormonal changes, particularly in women, also play a role
- Associated with other mucosal dryness symptoms in some patients
Evaporative Causes
Meibomian gland dysfunction, eyelid inflammation, and incomplete blinking during prolonged screen use all increase evaporation. Environmental factors such as air conditioning, smoke, and wind add to the problem.
Further Information
Blue Fin Vision® discusses underlying mechanisms and triggers in the blog article dry eye syndrome causes, which complements this overview.
