What are the usual causes of dry eyes?

I don't have the problem now but what are some common
reasons people suddenly have such a problem with tear
output requiring puct. plugs?

 

Here are four possibles, and the most common cause is age.

Age
Medications like decongestants
Hormone changes (eg going on or off BC pills)
Arthritis

-MT

 

Tom,

It seems to me that a lens which is that uncomfortable from the very outset
is damaged or defective in itself or in terms of fit. A fresh lens is
typically soothing to a dry eye because of the abundance of moisture
present.

DrG

 

Finasteride inhibits the type 2 5-ar enzyme that converts the testosterone
into DHT. DHT is a very potent (perhaps the most potent) androgen in the
body, which in some people, can significantly (clinically) effect the tear
and oil producing glands in the eye. Androgens stimulate those glands while
estrogens suppress their secretions. There are studies which confirm this.

--

 

Dry Eye is a chronic condition affecting about one-third of Australian adults and half of those aged over 50. Females are at greater risk of developing the condition. Normally, a film of tears covers the surface of the eye to keep it moist, and meibomian glands in the eyelids secrete oils to slow evaporation of these tears. Dry eye results if there is an insufficient supply of tears or if the tears evaporate too quickly.


Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), where the glands don’t function properly either due to blockage or oil deficiency, is a leading cause of dry eye. Sufferers have difficulty reading, using a computer, watching TV and driving. In its most severe form, dry eye can be accompanied by inflammation of the eye surface, sleep disturbances and depression. The detrimental effects (physical, emotional, financial) can be quite significant. If left untreated, some people may develop corneal ulcers, corneal scars and, rarely, even loss of vision.


Dry eye is commonly confused with other conditions, in particular allergies. It can be tricky to diagnose because symptoms vary, are subjective and can be described in many different ways (e.g. ‘feels gritty’ vs ‘feels like something in my eye’). The condition can’t be cured, but available treatments aim to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. The earlier dry eye is detected and treatment started, the better.