What are the causes of dry eye?

Certain circumstances are accompanied by a reduction in the production of tears: Aging, menopause, certain drugs such as hormone treatments, antihistamines or antidepressants[i], some autoimmune diseases, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or even diabetes…

Others promote the evaporation of tears1in particular inflammation, which can damage the Meibomian glands and mucus cells. Many factors can induce inflammation of the eye and dry eye:

• air pollution[ii]^,[iii], fumes; several studies have shown that people living in urban areas have higher risk of dry eye[iv] ;
• wearing contact lenses[v] (especially in the case of wearing for extended periods with inappropriate products or inadequate maintenance);
• make up;
• the use of eye drops containing preservatives[vi] ;
• an infection or an eye allergy;
• surgery on the eye or eyelids;
• dermatological diseases affecting the eyelids;
• working for extended periods of time on screens that decrease blinking [vii].

In addition, wind, air conditioning and the dryness of the air worsens tear evaporation and dry eye.

Other circumstances increase the risk of dry eye: a recent study showed that lack of sleep is often associated with dry eye[viii].