Refractive eye surgeries, such as LASIK, can decrease tear production and contribute to dry eyes.Īdvanced dry eyes may damage the front surface of the eye and impair vision. Long-term use of contact lenses can be a factor in the development of dry eyes. Failure to blink regularly, such as when staring at a computer screen for long periods of time, can also contribute to drying of the eyes. Exposure to smoke, wind and dry climates can increase tear evaporation resulting in dry eye symptoms. Also, problems with inflammation of the eyelids ( blepharitis), inflammation of the surfaces of the eye, or the inward or outward turning of eyelids can cause dry eyes to develop. People with rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid problems are more likely to have symptoms of dry eyes. Certain medicines, including antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants, can reduce tear production. Women are more likely to develop dry eyes due to hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives and menopause. The majority of people over age 65 experience some symptoms of dry eyes. Dry eyes are a part of the natural aging process. If the tears evaporate too quickly or do not spread evenly over the cornea due to deficiencies with any of the three tear layers, dry eye symptoms can develop.ĭry eyes can develop for many reasons, including: A smooth oil layer helps prevent evaporation of the water layer, while the mucin layer spreads the tears evenly over the surface of the eye. Each component protects and nourishes the front surface of the eye. Tears are made up of three layers: oil, water, and mucus. When the normal amount of tear production decreases or tears evaporate too quickly from the eyes, symptoms of dry eye can develop. Environmental conditions, such as wind and dry climates, can also decrease tear volume due to increased tear evaporation. Tear production tends to diminish with age, with various medical conditions or as a side effect of certain medicines.

Tears are produced by several glands in and around the eyelids. People with dry eyes either do not produce enough tears or their tears are of a poor quality: Causes & risk factorsĭry eyes can occur when tear production and drainage are not in balance. Dry eyes can occur when tear production and drainage is not in balance. Excess tears in the eyes flow into small drainage ducts in the inner corners of the eyelids, which drain into the back of the nose.

Tears provide lubrication, reduce the risk of eye infection, wash away foreign matter in the eye and keep the surface of the eyes smooth and clear. With each blink of the eyelids, tears spread across the front surface of the eye, known as the cornea. Dry eye is a common and often chronic problem, particularly in older adults.

Warm eye compress eyes closed