What Causes Dry Eye?

Learn more about the many causes of dry eye syndrome.

Some potential causes of dry eye include:

Medications

Medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, as well as anti-histamines, anti-depressants, and oral contraceptives all contribute to dehydrating the eye and causing dry eye.

Low Water Consumption

It is important for men to drink around 100 oz/day and women to drink around 70 oz/day to keep the body hydrated. When our body is dehydrated, it can result in significant dry eye.

Age and Gender

Dry eye can be caused or worsened by hormonal changes experienced during the aging process, especially for women. Men and women over the age of 40 tend to show more dry eye signs than their younger counterparts.

Allergies and the Environment

Dry climates, higher altitudes, elevated pollen counts, heaters/air conditioning/ceiling fans, and pollution can all contribute to or exacerbate dry eyes

Contact Lenses

Contact lenses divide our fragile tear film in half, as the tears cover both the front and back surface of the contact lens. With our tear film having to cover more surface area, there may not be enough tears to hydrate the eye.

Medical Conditions

Many diseases can cause or exacerbate dry eyes, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, thyroid disease, high blood pressure, various types of immune disorders, and diabetes.

Eye Surgeries

Eyelid surgeries, LASIK and PRK, Botox, corneal transplants, and other types of surgery can result in dry eyes.

Eye Conditions

People with glaucoma may experience more dry eye signs and symptoms due to the preservatives in glaucoma eye drops.

Irregular corneas due to keratoconus increased risk for dry eye.

There are many factors in our daily lives that can contribute or cause dry eye syndrome. Our doctors at Vision Source Studio 20/20 would love to uncover your source of dry eye and provide you with quick and sustainable relief.

Schedule an appointment to meet with Vision Source Studio 20/20 today!