Your eyes have special glands that secrete tears, which play a critical role in keeping the front surface of your eyes moist and protected. Dry eyes occur when your eyes do not receive enough moisture from your tears. This can be due to two reasons: inadequate production of tears or production of poor-quality tears.
People may experience dry eyes because they do not make enough tears. Those who are at increased risk of not making enough tears:
· Older than 65 years old
· Postmenopausal women
· Those taking certain medications (such as antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, diuretics, birth control pills)
· Have a medical condition (such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, Sjorgren’s syndrome, thyroid disorders, Vitamin A deficiency)
· Have damaged tear glands
· Have had laser eye surgery
· Live in dry, windy climates
Others may make enough tears, but the tears that they are making are of low-quality. Normally, tears are made up of a combination of water, oils, mucus. These work together to keep your eye moist and lubricated. However, people with poor-quality tears (tear composition is imbalanced) are likely to experience dry eyes.
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