risk factors for dry eye

Last reviewed 01/2018

Older age and female sex are well known risk factors of the disease.

Other risk factors for dry eye include (1)

  • hormonal status 
    • postmenopausal oestrogen therapy
  • nutritional factors 
    • diet low in omega-3 fatty acids
    • a high ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids
    • vitamin A deficiency
  • occupational factors
    • working at a microscope or computer
  • refractive surgery
  • environmental conditions
    • low humidity
    • high temperatures
    • air pollution
  • systemic  and ocular medication
    • anticholinergics eg, antihistamines, antispasmodics, tricyclic antidepressants
    • beta blockers
    • diuretics
  • malignant tumours (due to radiation therapy and systemic chemotherapy )
  • use of contact lenses
  • bone marrow transplantation;
  • diabetes mellitus, hepatitis C (1)

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