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What Are the Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome?

by Amy Butcher

Overview

What Are the Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome is a disorder in which the eye is incapable of producing a sufficient amount of tears, or the tears are composed of chemicals that cause them to evaporate immediately. Dry eye syndrome is contributed to by a variety of factors---including excessive wearing of contacts lenses, dust, gender, previous ailments, older age and dehydration in the eye.
Significance

Because tears are essential to ocular health---assisting in keeping the eye moist, washing out dust and debris and neutralizing microorganisms in and around the eye---dry eye syndrome can be extremely painful and uncomfortable. The disorder affects the film where tears are normally produced, resulting in decreased tear production, abnormality in the production of mucus typically found in the tear layer, and excessive tear evaporation.

Symptoms

Symptoms of dry eye syndrome include persistent eye dryness; a sensation of burning or scratching in the eye; a dry, gritty or filmy feeling in the eyes; blurred vision; light sensitivity; eye redness and "foreign body sensation," wherein it feels as though an object has gotten into the eye. These symptoms may worsen in dry or windy climates, and often become more severe at the end of the day or after prolonged periods of high activity for the eyes.
Environmental Causes

Dry eye syndrome is often a condition that occurs due to the patient's local climate. The disorder is more likely to occur in patients who live in dry, dusty or windy locations. Areas that require the use of air-conditioning and dry heating systems are also more likely to suffer from dry eye syndrome, because the dry air often dehydrates the surface of the eye. Patients whose occupations require long periods of eye-heavy activities, including watching television, using a computer, reading and driving, are also more likely to develop dry eye syndrome, as these activities often put unnecessary strain and discomfort on the eye.
Medicinal Causes

Dry eye syndrome is also a symptom of systematic illnesses, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, rosacea or Sjogren's syndrome, which is a triad of dry mouth, dry eyes and rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Diseases in which the eye cannot close fully also increase the risk of the patient developing dry eye syndrome. Patients who have experienced a stroke or Bell's palsy may also have difficulty fully closing their eyes, leading to tear evaporation and, often, dry eye syndrome.
Additional Causes

Dry eye syndrome may also occur as a result of strong prescription medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines, blood pressure medicines, Parkinson's medications and oral contraceptives. Wearing contacts for too long, or sleeping with contact lenses in, may also cause dry eye syndrome. It also occurs naturally as part of the aging process, particularly afflicting women in menopause.