Who gets dry eye?

Anyone, regardless of age or gender, can get dry eye disease but it is more common for certain groups. Have a look at the groups below and see if you relate to any of them.

Older adults: as we age, our meibomian glands, that produce the important oily layer of our tears, begin to work less effectively.

Women: especially those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or going through menopause. 

Screen Users: those who spend a lot of time looking at screens on devices such as computers, tablets and smartphones are more likely to develop Dry Eye Disease. This is mainly due to a reduction in blink rate when concentrating on screens.

Medical conditions and certain medications: autoimmune conditions such as Sjögrens Syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and thyroid disease can all be linked with Dry Eye. Some medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants and blood pressure medication can also contribute to dry eye. If you think this may apply to you it is important that you continue to take your medication and talk to your GP. A dry eye assessment and treatments may still be beneficial and worthwhile.

Eye surgery: eye dryness often occurs as a side effect following surgery, whether this is to correct your prescription, remove cataracts or address other issues such as glaucoma.

Contact lens wear: contact lenses can irritate the eye and put more demands on the tear layer, making Dry Eye Disease more likely.

Environment: surroundings low in humidity, such as those caused by air conditioning or central heating, often cause dry eye symptoms.