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Dry eye syndrome

• Overview
• Treatment
• Prevention

Definition:

Dry eye syndrome is when the tear glands produce fewer tears.

See also:

• Conjunctivitis
• Decreased tearing
• Vitamin A deficiency
• Sjogren syndrome

Alternative Names:

Keratitis sicca; Xerophthalmia; Keratoconjunctivitis sicca

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Dry eye syndrome often occurs in people who are otherwise healthy. It is more common with older age, because you produce fewer tears with age. In rare cases, it can be associated with rheumatoid arthritis , lupus erythematosus , and other similar diseases. It may also be caused by thermal or chemical burns.

In areas of the world where malnutrition is common, vitamin A deficiency is a common cause. This is rare in the United States.

• Review Date: 10/20/2006
• Reviewed By: Manju Subramanian, MD, Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Boston University Eye Associates, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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