What Causes Dry Eye

Bacteria: the eyelid and eyelashes harbor bacteria, biofilm and sometimes, demodex mites. These factors release toxins onto the lid margin that mix with the tear film and create irritation.

Lid function: if eyelids do not fully seal at night, there can be areas of exposure that cause dry eye symptoms. In addition, if eyelids don’t fully touch during a blink (incomplete blink), the tear film will be unstable.

Environmental: The blink rate drop by at least 50% when doing near activities (reading, working on screens, looking at a phone, etc). Lighting and air quality will also impact comfort.

Systemic disease: underlying systemic conditions (especially inflammatory or autoimmune diseases) increase overall inflammation in the body and ocular surface. Lack of sleep and poor diet are also risk factors.

Corneal compromise: Anything that could cause corneal changes (ie previous contact lens wear, LASIK or refractive surgery, cataract surgery) can increase dry eye symptoms.