You need tears to moisten the eyes and to wash away particles that have gotten in. A healthy tear film on the eye is necessary for good vision.
Dry eyes develop when the eye is unable to maintain a healthy coating of tears
Alternative Names
Keratitis sicca; Xerophthalmia; Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
Causes
Dry eye usually occurs in people who are otherwise healthy. It becomes more common with age. This can occur due to hormonal changes that make your eyes produce fewer tears.
Other common causes of dry eyes include:
- Dry environment or workplace (wind, air conditioning)
- Sun exposure
- Smoking or second-hand smoke exposure
- Cold or allergy medicines
Dry eye can also be caused by:
- Heat or chemical burns
- Previous eye surgery
- A rare autoimmune disorder in which the glands that produce tears are destroyed (Sjögren's syndrome)