Why Dry Eye Occurs: 14 Common Medical Causes & How to Prevent It
Dr. Nikhil Nasta
3 min read
Dry eye occurs due to reduced tear production, rapid tear evaporation, or poor-quality tears. Common causes include prolonged screen use, ageing, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), environmental factors, contact lenses, hormonal changes, medications, and autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disorders or Sjögren’s syndrome.
Dry eye disease is one of the most frequently diagnosed ocular conditions worldwide. At I-Sight Eye Care, we often see patients who are unsure why their eyes feel dry, gritty, or irritated. Understanding the cause is the first step toward effective treatment.
1. Prolonged Screen Time (Digital Eye Strain)
When staring at screens, the blink rate drops from 15–18 blinks/min to as low as 3–4 blinks/min. This leads to:
- Faster tear evaporation
- Increased dryness
- Visual fatigue
- Burning sensation
Digital eye strain is the #1 cause of dry eye in working professionals.
2. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
The Meibomian glands produce the oily layer of the tear film. When these glands are:
- Blocked
- Inflamed
- Damaged
…the tears evaporate too quickly. Untreated MGD can lead to chronic evaporative dry eye.
3. Ageing
Tear glands naturally become less active with age. Dry eye is especially common:
- After age 45
- In menopausal women
- In elderly patients
4. Hormonal Changes (Menopause & Pregnancy)
Oestrogen and androgen fluctuations impact tear production. This explains why dry eye is more common in:
- Pregnant women
- Post-menopausal women
- Thyroid disorder patients
5. Contact Lens Use
Lenses absorb the tear film, causing:
- Friction
- Redness
- Dryness
- Intolerance
Long-term contact lens wearers often develop contact lens-induced dry eye.
6. Autoimmune Diseases
Dry eye is strongly associated with:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sjögren’s syndrome
- Lupus
- Thyroid disorders (hypo/hyperthyroidism)
These require regular ocular surface evaluation.
7. Allergic Eye Disease
Chronic allergies cause inflammation, rubbing, and irritation—all of which destabilize the tear film. Antihistamines can also worsen dryness.
8. Environmental Conditions
You may experience dryness in:
- Air-conditioned rooms
- Heavily polluted areas
- Dry climates
- High altitude regions
- Dusty environments
Mumbai’s coastal humidity helps slightly, but indoor AC exposure is a major trigger.
9. Incomplete Blinking
Common during:
- Reading
- Driving
- Office work
- Using mobile phones
Incomplete blinking leads to poor tear distribution.
10. Medications
Several medicines reduce tear production:
- Antihistamines
- Antidepressants
- Acne medications (isotretinoin)
- Blood pressure medicines
- Thyroid medications
- Diuretics
If symptoms worsen after starting a prescription, evaluation is important.
11. Post-LASIK Dry Eye
Temporary dryness after LASIK is common due to corneal nerve healing. Most patients improve within 3–6 months. 👉 Lasik Surgery Mumbai
12. Vitamin A Deficiency
Although less common, Vitamin A deficiency can cause:
- Dryness
- Corneal scarring
- Night blindness
13. Reduced Tear Quality
Tears consist of:
- Mucin layer
- Aqueous layer
- Lipid (oily) layer
Deficiency in any layer leads to dryness.
14. Eyelid Problems
Conditions like:
- Blepharitis
- Entropion
- Ectropion
- Lid laxity
…disrupt normal lubrication and may require surgical correction.
How We Evaluate Dry Eye at I-Sight Eye Care
We use advanced diagnostic tools:
- Tear Film Break-Up Time (TBUT)
- Meibography for gland health
- Ocular surface staining
- Schirmer’s test
- HD corneal imaging
👉 Dry eye services: Dry Eye Treatment Mumbai
Conclusion
Dry eye is caused by a combination of lifestyle, nearby glands, health conditions, and environmental factors. Identifying the cause is the key to long-term relief. If you experience persistent dryness, burning, or fluctuating vision, book a comprehensive dry eye evaluation at I-Sight Eye Care:
👉 Consult
Dr. Nikhil Nasta
Dr. Nikhil Nasta is the Founder & Lead Surgeon at iSight Eye Care. With over two decades of experience, he specializes in advanced cataract surgery and comprehensive eye care, dedicated to restoring vision and improving patients' quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Depends on the cause—MGD and autoimmune conditions require long-term management.
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Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Individual cases vary; consult a specialist for personalized advice.