Causes of Dry Eye

Environmental Causes:

Hot, dry and/or windy climates, High altitudes, Excessive sun exposure, Central heating, Air conditioning, Hair dryers, Cigarette smoke, Air pollution, Air travel

Medications:(prescription or over the counter)

Allergy medications, esp. antihistamines, Antidepressants,(e.g. amitriptyline, diazepam), Some blood pressure medications, Parkinson's medications, Birth control pills, Diuretics, Beta blockers, Sleeping pills, Many pain medications, Certain medications which regulate heart rhythm irregularities, Decongestants

Contact Lens Wear

Two million individuals abandon soft contact lens wear altogether each year with nearly 50% of these contact lens "dropouts" attributing dryness or discomfort as the primary reason.

Diseases:

Parkinson's disease, Sjögren's syndrome (an auto-immune disease), Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, Lacrimal gland deficiency, Diabetes, Sarcoidosis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Rosacea: Facial rosacea is commonly associated with ocular rosacea, which causes conditions such as blepharitis

Refractive eye surgeries

Dry eye is the most common complaint or adverse event following LASIK.

Hormonal deficiencies or changes

Thyroid conditions, Hormonal changes during menopause, Decreased production of androgen, Estrogen supplementation -(there are reports both of this improving dry eye conditions and worsening them)

Low blink rate

Blinking is critical in spreading tears over the surface of the eye and stimulating tear production. A chronic low blink rate is associated with dry eye symptoms. Computer use, reading, and watching TV are the three activities most commonly associated with a low blink rate.