What causes dry eyes? Dry eyes occur:

• With age. Dry eyes are more common in women, especially after menopause.
• Infrequently after irradiation to the eye.
• With the use of some drugs, including antihistamines, nasal decongestants and sedatives.
• Sometimes after eye surgery.
• Sometimes with vitamin A deficiency or after a chemical burn to the eye.
• In some persons with malpositioned lower eyelids.
• In climates with dry air.

In dry eye syndromes, called keratoconjunctivitis sicca, where both eyes are usually affected, causing dryness, redness, swelling, itching and burning and often reduced vision.

In autoimmune diseases such as Sjugren’s syndrome. In connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.