Dryness of the eyes can be a normal response to weather or medications. Dryness of the eyes can also result from temporary or chronic health conditions. The tears of the of eye come from the tear gland, called the lacrimal gland, which is located above the outer eye. Tears are composed of water, oil, and antibodies. The moisture from tears on the front of the eye, the cornea, is important to avoid damage of the cornea.
Other causes of dry eye
- Aging
- Keratoconjunctivitis
- Medications (Both Prescription and Nonprescription)
- Neurological Diseases (With Impaired Nerves to the Tear Gland or Eyelid Muscles)
- Tear Gland Disease (Tumors or Infiltrative Diseases, Such As Pemphigoid)
- Trauma Injury
- Weather (Particularly Warm, Dry, Windy)
QUESTION
What causes dry eyes? See AnswerPictures, Images, Illustrations & Quizzes
-
Eye Problems & Conditions Quiz
What do you know about your eyes? Take this quick quiz to learn about a range of eye diseases and conditions.
-
Picture of Blepharitis
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids and occurs in two forms, anterior (outside of the eyelid) and posterior (inner...
-
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)? Symptoms, Treatment, Diagnosis
What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? Learn about treatment, diagnosis, and the symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Discover...
Causes of Dry Eye
-
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. Acne rosacea, staphylococcal bacteria, allergies, sensitivities to makeup or contact lens solutions, head lice, or other conditions may cause blepharitis. Symptoms and signs include itchy eyelids, burning sensation in the eyes, crusting of the eyelids, light sensitivity, red, swollen eyelids, loss of eyelashes, and dandruff of the lashes and eyebrows. Proper eyelid hygiene and a regular cleaning routine controls blepharitis.
-
Burns
Burn types are based on their severity: first-degree burns, second-degree burns, and third-degree burns. First-degree burns are similar to a painful sunburn. The damage is more severe with second-degree burns, leading to blistering and more intense pain. The skin turns white and loses sensation with third-degree burns. Burn treatment depends upon the burn location, total burn area, and intensity of the burn.
-
Eye Strain
Eye strain is a symptom caused by looking at something for a long time. Symptoms and signs include redness, light sensitivity, headaches, and blurred vision. Symptoms may be treated by closing the eyes and taking a break from the visual task.
-
Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD)
Graft versus host disease (GVHD) is a condition that happens when immune cells from transplanted donor tissue attack the recipient's tissues. Signs and symptoms of acute GVHD include enteritis, hepatitis, and dermatitis. Chronic GVHD symptoms and signs include rash, skin discoloration, dry mouth or eyes, jaundice, fatigue, and wheezing, among others. The standard of GVHD treatment is immunosuppressant medications.
-
How Can I Get My Eye To Stop Twitching?
A blepharospasm (eye twitch) is a harmless, involuntary spasm of the muscle of the eyelids, which may resolve on its own. If the twitching isn't caused by an underlying condition, getting more rest and avoiding alcohol and caffeine may help stop it.
-
How Is Sjogren's Syndrome Diagnosed and Treated?
Sjogren's syndrome is characterized by dry eyes and dry mouth. Learn about this autoimmune disease and how to treat Sjogren's syndrome.
-
Menopause
Menopause is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods permanently stop, also called the "change of life." Menopause symptoms and signs include hot flashes, night sweats, irregular vaginal bleeding, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, urinary incontinence, weight gain, and emotional symptoms such as mood swings. Treatment of menopausal symptoms varies and should be discussed with your physician.
-
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Pinkeye, also called conjunctivitis, is redness or irritation of the conjunctivae, the membranes on the inner part of the eyelids and the membranes covering the whites of the eyes. These membranes react to a wide range of bacteria, viruses, allergy-provoking agents, irritants, and toxic agents.
-
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, the tissue around the joints, as well as other organs in the body. Early RA signs and symptoms include anemia, both sides of the body affected (symmetric), depression, fatigue, fever, joint deformity, joint pain, joint redness, joint stiffness, joint swelling, joint tenderness, joint warmth, limping, loss of joint function, loss of joint range of motion, and polyarthritis.
-
Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis, a disease resulting from chronic inflammation, causes small lumps (granulomas) to develop in a wide range of body tissues and can appear in almost any body organ. However, sarcoidosis most often starts in the lungs or lymph nodes.
-
Sjogren's Syndrome
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease involving the abnormal production of extra antibodies that attack the glands and connective tissue. It is also associated with a connective tissue disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or scleroderma, which is referred to as secondary Sjögren's syndrome. Though there is no cure for Sjögren's syndrome, the symptoms may be treated by using lubricating eye ointments, drinking plenty of water, humidifying the air, and using glycerin swabs. Medications are also available to treat dry eye and dry mouth.
-
What Are Some Common Eye Infections?
An eye infection is a condition in which viruses, bacteria or other microbial agents may attack the eye. This can cause itching around the eyes or the eyes may turn pink. The infection can affect the eyelid, cornea or conjuctiva (inside lining of the eyelid).
-
What Are the Causes of a Headache Behind the Eyes?
A headache behind the eyes is an uncomfortable sensation that is felt around or on the back of the eye, which may or may not be a throbbing ache. Causes of headaches behind the eyes include tension headaches, migraines, cluster headaches, sinus headaches, occipital neuralgia, brain aneurysm, Grave's disease, scleritis, dry eyes, vision problems, eye strain and poor posture.
-
What Are the Types of Eye Care?
Many common eye disorders resolve without treatment and some may be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) products. It's important to visit a physician or ophthalmologist is the problem involves the eyeball itself or the condition hasn't improved after 72 hours of use of an OTC eye care product.
-
What Causes a Stye in Your Eye?
A stye is caused when bacteria infect these glands and can occur without an identifiable initiating event. It is a red, painful bump that might appear like a pimple. An external stye, the one appearing on the outside of the upper or lower eyelid, is more common than an internal stye that appears on the inside of the upper or lower eyelid.
-
What Causes Yellow Discharge From Eyes?
What is yellow discharge from your eye? Learn what causes it, how to recognize it, and how it is treated.
-
What Does An Eye Infection Look Like?
An eye infection may bring about the following changes in the eye: A pink tint in the whites of the eye, swollen red or purple eyelids, crusty lashes or lids, and/or discharge of fluids which may be yellow, green or clear.
-
What Is a Twitching Eye a Sign of?
A blepharospasm (eye twitch) is a harmless tic of the eyelid muscle, which may resolve on its own. Conditions that may cause eye twitch include blepharitis, dry eyes, light sensitivity or conjunctivitis. Nerve disorders can also cause eye twitching.
-
When Should I Be Worried About Eye Twitching?
An eye/eyelid twitch (myokymia), is an involuntary, repeated spasm of the eyelid muscle. It can happen in the upper or lower lids. Eye twitching is usually painless and harmless. It often resolves without treatment. Though less common, eye twitching is sometimes the first sign of a chronic movement disorder.
Examples of Medications for Dry Eye
- cyclopentolate
- Latisse (bimatoprost) Side Effects, Warnings, and Drug Interactions
- mineral oil/petrolatum ophthalmic
- multivitamins, vision
- oxymetazoline ophthalmic
- pilocarpine hydrochloride (Vuity ophthalmic solution)
- Side Effects of Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion)
- Side Effects of Susvimo (ranibizumab)
- Side Effects of Timoptic (timolol)
- Side Effects of Xiidra (lifitegrast) ophthalmic
- Susvimo (ranibizumab)
- tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic
- vitamin A
- Xiidra (lifitegrast)
From 
Eye Health Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Subscribe to MedicineNet's General Health Newsletter
By clicking Submit, I agree to the MedicineNet's Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet's subscriptions at any time.