A condition known as dry eye occurs when tear film abnormalities prevent the eyes from being comfortable. Although dry eye can occur in both men and women at any age, women are most often affected. Tear production normally decreases as we age. Dry eye can also be associated with arthritis, and occasionally with a dry mouth.
Medications sometimes cause dry eye by reducing tear secretion.
Be sure to tell your ophthalmologist the names of all the medications you are taking. People with dry eye are often more prone to the toxic side-effects of eye medications, including artificial tears. The healthy eye constantly produces tears that lubricate. When a foreign body irritates the eye or when a person cries, more tears are produced. Excess tearing from dry eye may sound like a contradiction, but your tears must have the right balance of oil, water, and mucus to be able to protect your eyes.