aetiology

Last reviewed 01/2018

Dry eye syndrome is usually caused by

  • decreased tear production
    • in older patients
    • in post menopausal women
    • in autoimmune diseases e.g. - Sjogren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis
  • excessive tear evaporation
    • environmental factors e.g. - central heating, dry climate, air pollution
    • reduced blinking e .g - driving, watching TV, and computer work
    • diseases such as rosacea, blepharitis, and
  • abnormality in the production of mucus or lipids of tear layer
    • MGD (meibomian gland dysfunction) – causes abnormal production of lipids (1)

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