what causes dry eyes?
While over 80% of dry eye cases are due to blocked oil glands in the eyelids — a condition called meibomian gland dysfunction or evaporative dry eye — other factors can also cause this syndrome. These include:
Auto-immune disorders – this includes Sjogren’s disease and arthritis, among others.
Age – there’s a higher prevalence of DES in those over 50 years of age.
Environment – dry wind, dry air, and dry climates can evaporate the tears. Home and car heaters, air conditioners, fans, and hair dryers also cause tears to evaporate.
Gender – the majority of dry eye sufferers are women. This tends to be caused by hormonal changes, whether through the use of contraceptives, pregnancy, or menopause.
Medication – these include antidepressants, decongestants, and blood pressure medications.
