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.
Signs and tests:
An ophthalmologist can look at the film of tears on your eye using a slit lamp (biomicroscope). A dye such as fluorescein may be placed in the eye to make the tear film more visible. Your health care provider may do a Schirmer's test, measuring the rate of tear production using a calibrated paper wick placed on the edge of the eyelid.
Your eye's cornea may be thick. You may have reduced visual acuity.
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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General Eye Care
