Causes for dry eye can be broadly categorised as follows:
- Natural Ageing Process - as we grow older, there is a reduction in the production of natural tears and their effectiveness.
- Environmental Conditions - such as hot, dry or windy climate, air pollution, air conditioning, dusty or smoky atmosphere, over heated rooms etc.
- Occupational - working on computers for long periods of time, results in less blinking thus leading to eye strain and dry eye.
- Systemic Diseases - such as Sjogren's Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Sclerosis, Thyroid conditions, Steven Johnson Syndrome.
- Hormonal Changes - like during menopause.
- Medication Side Effects - diuretics, antihistamines, anti depressants, antimuscarinics are known to cause dry eye.
- Vitamin A Deficiency
- Prolonged Contact Lens use
- Radiation Therapy of the head and neck
- Refractive Eye Surgery such as LASIK and PRK
- Eye Trauma
- Frequent Air Travel
- Infections and certain eye diseases such as Blepharitis.
- Personal habits such as smoking, reduced blinking thus leading to excess tear evaporation etc.