What Is Dry Eye?
A protective film of tears coats the eye's outer layer. New tears form in glands located around the eye and keep the moisture level in the eye balanced. This protective film is important for comfort and clear vision. Some people do not produce enough tears to keep the eyes wet and comfortable. This condition is known as dry eye, one of the most common eye conditions.
Causes of Dry Eye
Dry eye results from a variety of causes, but aging is the single highest factor. As people age, the production of tears decreases. Although it occurs in women and men, post-menopausal women are most affected.
Other causes of dry eye can include:
- Illness (including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Graves' disease, diabetes, scleroderma, and Sjogren's syndrome).
- Hormonal changes in women after menopause and during pregnancy.
- Poor blinking habits while reading or looking at a computer screen for long periods of time.
- A dry, indoor environment.
- Contact lenses.
- Certain medications (including tranquilizers, antihistamines, certain heart medications, diuretics, birth control pills and ulcer medications).