What Causes Dry Eye,
Dry Eye Center at Complete Family Vision Care in San Diego, California
Dry Eye Syndrome And Medical Procedures That Can Cause Dry Eye
Dry Eye Syndrome can be caused by many factors. These include age, genetics, environment, lifestyle, medications, and the overall medical health of your eyes. Regardless of which factor(s) contribute to your Dry Eye Syndrome, the result is a situation where your eyes are either not producing enough tears to keep your eye lubricated, or the tears are not formulated with the correct balance of water, lipids, and mucous to maintain proper lubrication.
This results in the sore, gritty, and painful condition we call Dry Eye Syndrome. Sometimes, basic lifestyle and dietary changes can prevent and even alleviate the symptoms. At other times, more steps will be required to get the relief you need and deserve. Here are some of the most common factors which contribute to Dry Eye Syndrome.
The most common complications from medical procedures which result in dry eyes are eye surgery or injury, as well as radiation therapy. After any eye surgery or serious injury, or after receiving radiation therapy, you should carefully monitor your tear production. Always inform us if you have ever undergone any medical procedure on or near your eyes, or received radiation therapy. If you notice that your eyes are getting dryer, contact us. The Dry Eye Center at Complete Family Vision Care has advanced techniques and experience in diagnosing and treating Dry Eye Syndrome.




An overactive thyroid disorder is often a result of Graves’ Disease. This autoimmune disease causes inflammation and swelling in the eyelids (amongst other places in the body) until the eye itself may begin to protrude. This swelling and possible protrusion of the eye reduces the body’s ability to blink effectively. In addition to Dry Eye Syndrome, this can result in endocrine orbitopathy, which includes severe dry eye symptoms such as double-vision, painful pressure, and severe inflammation. When the eye is protruding, severe drying of the cornea can occur.
Diabetes can lead to dry eye because of nerve neuropathy. Essentially, the nerves that control the tear ducts stop functioning properly resulting in decreased tear production.
Arthritis lupus is an autoimmune disease that can also affect the nerves and prevent the tear ducts from producing sufficient tear volume.
The thyroid maintains the hormonal and metabolic balance throughout the body. Therefore, A diseased thyroid alters the metabolism of the entire body, and the eyes are no exception. Both overactive and underactive thyroid conditions can result in dry eyes.

There are many medications out there that can cause dry eye. The causes range anywhere from a reduction in the functionality of the tear ducts to a reduction in the amount of water in the body. This includes:
- Diuretics
- Decongestants
- Antihistamines
- Anticholinergics
- Antidepressants
- Hormones
- Hypertension medication
- Dermatological agents
- Lortab (acetaminophen and hydrocodone)
- Ibuprofen (Advil)
Always let us know what medications you take, regardless of whether they are over-the-counter or prescription. This will help us better assess and treat your Dry Eye Syndrome.
Hormonal Changes That Result In Dry Eye
Sharp changes in your body’s hormone levels will often result in an inflammatory response which can result in dry, irritated eyes. Here are some common reasons people undergo hormonal changes that often result in Dry Eye Syndrome. You don’t have to suffer from dry eyes in silence. Dr. Eric White and Dr. Joe Mannen at the Dry Eye Center at Complete Family Vision Care will conduct a full assessment and develop a custom treatment plan that’s right for you.
