Dry eye risk factors: who is more likely to get it and why

What dry eye is

Dry eye happens when your eyes do not make enough tears to stay wet, or when your tears do not work correctly. It can make your eyes feel uncomfortable, and in some cases it can cause vision problems (NEI). It is common: NEI says nearly 16.4 million Americans have dry eye (NEI).

Normally, glands above your eyes make tears that keep your eyes wet. Dry eye can mean your glands do not make enough tears, your tears dry up too fast, or your tears do not work well enough to keep your eyes wet (NEI).

There is no score or calculator on this page; the factors below are the ones NEI names.

Who is more likely to get dry eye

Anyone can get dry eye, but NEI says you might be more likely to have it if you (NEI):

• Are age 50 or older. As you get older, your body has to work harder to make tears (NEI).
• Are female. Hormone changes during pregnancy and menopause can make it harder for your body to make tears (NEI).
• Wear contact lenses.
• Do not get enough vitamin A (found in foods like carrots, broccoli and liver) or omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, walnuts and vegetable oils).
• Have certain autoimmune conditions, like lupus or Sjogren syndrome. See lupus risk factors.

What else can cause dry eye

Other causes NEI lists (NEI):

• Medicines. Dry eye can be a side effect of some medicines that treat colds and allergies, depression and high blood pressure.
• Health problems, including diabetes, thyroid problems, and autoimmune disorders like lupus or Sjogren syndrome.
• Laser eye surgery. After some types of laser surgery, your eyes may make fewer tears for a while; ask your eye doctor how long this usually lasts.
• Windy, smoky or dry places, which can make your tears dry up faster.
• Looking at screens for a long time. You may blink less when looking at a computer or tablet screen.

Sjogren syndrome

Sjogren syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks the glands that make tears and saliva, causing dry eye, dry mouth and trouble swallowing. Anyone can have it, but women ages 40 to 50 are at higher risk, and people with it often have another autoimmune disorder as well, like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed (NEI). See rheumatoid arthritis risk factors.

Symptoms

Dry eye can cause (NEI):

• A scratchy feeling, like there is something in your eye
• Stinging or burning in your eye
• Red eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurry vision

If severe dry eye is not treated, it can sometimes damage your cornea, the clear outer layer at the front of your eye (NEI). If your eyes feel dry and scratchy, see your eye doctor (NEI).

How dry eye is checked

Your doctor can check for dry eye as part of a comprehensive dilated eye exam, and may check the amount of tears your eyes make, how long it takes your tears to dry up, and the structure of your eyelids (NEI). Tests NEI describes (NEI):

• Slit lamp test: a drop makes your tears easier to see, then the doctor looks at your eye and eyelids with a microscope and a thin, bright light.
• Schirmer's test: after numbing drops, a small piece of paper sits on the edge of your eyelid for 5 minutes to see how much moisture your eyes make.
• Tear break up time (TBUT): a small amount of dye shows how long your tear film lasts after you blink.

Treatment and everyday steps

Treatment usually depends on what is causing your symptoms (NEI). Options NEI describes (NEI):

• Over-the-counter eye drops. Artificial tears are the most common treatment for mild dry eye; there are also moisturizing gels and ointments.
• Prescription eye drops, such as cyclosporine or lifitegrast, which can help your eyes make more tears.
• Lifestyle changes, including trying a different medicine if one you take is causing dry eye.
• Tear duct plugs (punctal plugs) if tears drain too quickly.
• Surgery, not very common, if loose lower eyelids let tears drain too quickly.

Your eyes may also feel better if you avoid smoke, wind and air conditioning, use a humidifier, limit screen time and take breaks, wear wraparound sunglasses outside, drink plenty of water (NEI suggests 8 to 10 glasses a day) and get about 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night (NEI). If another health condition is causing your dry eye, treating it may help (NEI).

Common questions

Can screens cause dry eye?

They can. NEI says dry eye can happen if you spend a lot of time looking at screens; you may blink less when looking at a computer or tablet screen, which can lead to dry eye; NEI suggests limiting screen time and taking breaks (NEI) (NEI).

Why is dry eye more common in women?

NEI says hormone changes during pregnancy and menopause can make it harder for the body to make tears (NEI).

Is dry eye serious?

It can make your eyes uncomfortable, and in some cases it can cause vision problems. Severe dry eye that is not treated can sometimes damage the cornea. Tell your doctor if dry eye gets in the way of everyday activities (NEI).