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Dry eye syndrome can be caused by the following:
• Decreased tear production can result from normal ageing, auto-immune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren's syndrome, or from conditions that decreases sensation on the surface of the eye like diabetes, long-term contact lens wear, eye surgery, trauma to the fifth nerve and certain viruses.
Tear production can also decrease as a result of vitamin A and essential fatty acid deficiencies, and medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, birth control pills, antidepressants and medication to lower blood pressure.
• Increased tear evaporation can result from thyroid eye disease or from simply having large eyes. Evaporation is directly proportional to surface area, therefore the bigger the eye surface area exposed to air, the greater the rate of evaporation of tears.
Long-standing eyelid inflammation (called blepharitis) results in decreased function of the oil glands in the eyelid. This is important because the oil produced by these glands coats the tear film, retarding evaporation like a biological wrap.
Blinking helps us to keep our eyes moist. When working at a computer, people can blink up to five times less than normal. Having an air conditioner in your office can further increase tear evaporation, placing you at greater risk for dry eye problems.
• Decreased tear production can result from normal ageing, auto-immune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren's syndrome, or from conditions that decreases sensation on the surface of the eye like diabetes, long-term contact lens wear, eye surgery, trauma to the fifth nerve and certain viruses.
Tear production can also decrease as a result of vitamin A and essential fatty acid deficiencies, and medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, birth control pills, antidepressants and medication to lower blood pressure.
• Increased tear evaporation can result from thyroid eye disease or from simply having large eyes. Evaporation is directly proportional to surface area, therefore the bigger the eye surface area exposed to air, the greater the rate of evaporation of tears.
Long-standing eyelid inflammation (called blepharitis) results in decreased function of the oil glands in the eyelid. This is important because the oil produced by these glands coats the tear film, retarding evaporation like a biological wrap.
Blinking helps us to keep our eyes moist. When working at a computer, people can blink up to five times less than normal. Having an air conditioner in your office can further increase tear evaporation, placing you at greater risk for dry eye problems.
