Dry eye syndrome » Causes of dry eyes

Set of causes of dry eye syndrome is complex, eye disease affects not only the ocular surface, but is often accompanied by systemic disease. An important role of psychosomatic aspects (emotional lability of patients), some environmental factors (e.g. ozone, cigarette smoke), wearing contact lenses.

What are the causes of dry eyes?

Problems with dry eyes may occur in predisposed individuals due to increased evaporation of tears during their stay in air-conditioned rooms, all-day computing, or both (Office Eye Syndrome) or during several hours of watching TV (monitor syndrome). Overall, some medications (e.g. antidepressants, antiarrhythmics, antihistamines) may lead to a dry eye syndrome by reducing the secretion of tears. Local treatment of ocular toxicity of preservatives may also encourage the emergence of the eye disease.

Causes of instability of the tear film are varied. The most commonly found reduced secretion of tears corresponding glands, pathological changes in corneal epithelium (do not created a full-value tear film) and disorders of eyelid position and status in relation to the eyeball. Finally, the negative role played by all conditions and situations conducive to increased evaporation of tears.

In addition to professional causes of dry eye syndrome can participate in the age of the patients. For people older than 40 years are the most common cause of illness hormonal disorders related to menopause. Lower stability of the tear film may also be caused by long-term using beta-blockers.