What are the causes of dry eye?
Dry eye can happen for many reasons.
Some are related to your surroundings or habits, while others are linked to your health or age.
Knowing what’s causing your symptoms is the first step toward relief.
Main causes of dry eye
| Cause | How it affects your eyes | References |
|---|---|---|
|
Environment
|
Dry air, air conditioning, wind, dust, and long hours on screens can cause your tears to evaporate more quickly, leaving your eyes feeling dry and irritated.
|
[16, 18]
|
|
Hormonal changes
|
Hormonal shifts during menopause, menstrual cycles, or reduced androgen levels can affect tear production and the eye’s surface.
|
[16, 19]
|
|
Medications
|
Some common medicines – like antidepressants, antihistamines, hormone replacement therapy, isotretinoin (for acne), and certain glaucoma drops – can reduce tear production or affect tear glands.
|
[16, 20, 21]
|
|
Aging |
As we get older, our eyes naturally produce fewer tears. Dry eye becomes more common after the age of 50.
|
[16, 21]
|
|
Contact lenses
|
Wearing contact lenses can cause tears to evaporate more quickly and irritate the eye’s surface, especially in younger people who use them daily.
|
[16, 20] |
Other Contributing Factors
- Female gender (higher risk during hormonal changes).
- Autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome.
- High digital device use.
- Poor sleep and certain lifestyle habits.
- Low omega-3 intake or an unbalanced diet.
The good news!
Some risk factors-such as screen time, air conditioning, or contact lens use-are modifiable. Making small changes can greatly reduce symptoms and improve eye comfort.
When to see a doctor?
If dryness, burning, or tearing persists, it’s best to get a professional eye exam. Your doctor can help identify the exact cause and recommend the right treatment.