Chronic Dry Eye: A Closer Look

Causes of Dry Eye

Chronic Dry Eye is often caused by problems with the body’s system responsible for making your tears and keeping a healthy “tear film” on your eye’s surface. The system is called the lacrimal functional unit. It includes the lacrimal gland, meibomian glands and goblet cells of the conjunctiva. The lacrimal glands are responsible for producing the watery part of the tear film called the aqueous. The meibomian glands are responsible for producing lipids which keep the tear film from evaporating. Finally, goblet cells are responsible for producing mucin which allows the wetting of the ocular surface as well as stabilizes the tear film. Together, all components of the tear film maintain and protect the ocular surface.

When the glands found in the lacrimal functional unit don’t work properly, tear film composition is altered leading to a declining quality and quantity of tears production and ultimately the symptoms of Chronic Dry Eye. To hear actual patients talk about their dry eye symptoms click here.

Hormonal changes due to aging and menopause, thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies can contribute to Chronic Dry Eye. Some diseases and conditions – like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and Sjögren’s Syndrome – also cause Chronic Dry Eye in many patients. On the other hand, activities like reading or working at the computer are not a root cause of Chronic Dry Eye; they can just make the symptoms worse. Wearing contact lenses can also worsen Chronic Dry Eye symptoms.

Reference:
Stern ME, Gao T, Siemasko KF, et al. The role of the lacrimal functional unit in the pathophysiology of dry eye. Experimental Eye Reseach 78. 2004:409-416.