Risk Factors for Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye is considered "multifactoral," meaning there is often multiple and not one singular cause.
Some of the most common causes and contributing risks factors for dry eye disease found in the literature include:
- Certaine systemic diseases
- Certain systemic medications (Rx & OTC)
- Chemotherapy & radiation
- Certain systemic surgeries
- Other eye diseases
- Certain topical eye drops (Rx & OTC)
- Injuries to the eyes, the eyelids, or the nerves of the face
- Certain eye surgeries
- Contact lens overuse & abuse
- Eyelid abnormalities
- Abnormalites of the blink reflex (incomplete or infrequent blinks)
- Hormone changes
- Genetic predisposition
- Certain ethnicities have been show to have a higher prevalence
- Environmental factors: low humidity, high heat, windy, drafty rooms
- Poor diet
- Lack of hydration
- Lack of exercise
- Lack of sleep
- Excessive stress
- Anxiety & depression
- Excessive digital use
- Improper eye cosmetic use & removal
- Certain cosmetic procedures
- Poor facial & eyelid hygiene
tired eyes from computer use