Dry eye syndrome

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Eye anatomy

Dry eye syndrome is when the eye is unable to maintain a healthy layer of tears to coat it.

See also:

• Conjunctivitis
• Decreased tearing
• Sjogren syndrome
• Vitamin A deficiency

Keratitis sicca; Xerophthalmia; Keratoconjunctivitis sicca

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 heat (thermal) or chemical burns.

In areas of the world where malnutrition is common, vitamin A deficiency is a cause. This is rare in the United States.

Review Date: 11/08/2010
Reviewed By: Daniel E. Bustos, MD, MS, Private Practice specializing in Comprehensive Ophthalmology in Eugene, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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