Alternative Names
Keratitis sicca; Xerophthalmia; Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
Definition of Dry eye syndrome:
Dry eye syndrome is when the tear glands produce fewer tears.
See also:
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.
